Grand ohold spider

• grand old spider: Sura 29 of the Koran is entitled The Spider. Verses 41-43: "The parable of those who take protectors other than Allah is that of the spider, who builds (to itself) a house; but truly the flimsiest of houses is the spider's house - if they but knew. Verily Allah doth know of (every thing) whatever that they call upon besides Him: and He is Exalted (in power), Wise. And such are the Parables We set forth for mankind, but only those understand them who have knowledge." → see the reference to the Koran at line 34 below

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Additionally, 'grand old spider' was the way Parnell referred to PM Gladstone.