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Happy New Year to both of our readers. No prophecies for the coming year. After 27 years in Parliament I am not yet omniscient. But I do have several suggestions:-
Tony’s done a magnificent job. We should all be grateful but now he’s nothing new to offer. His technique of leadership is to take on the party not the problem by jumping over a cliff and demanding that we catch him. Its bunny jumping not leadership.
I voted for Foundation Hospitals in return for more spending on NHS dentistry in Grimsby but I’m buggered if I’m going to do that on University Fees. So go out gracefully and voluntarily Tony. You’ve run out of time, of endearing mannerisms and have lost trust. We’re too soft hearted to push but it is for the good of the party.
Which brings in Gordon. Psychologically difficult. Unwilling to argue and inclined to talk over opposition. Brilliant in relaxed conversation, over assertive and repetitive in public discussion. Good (but complicated) at redistribution, rigid, in comprehending on exchange rates and too obsessed with “stability” rather than growth, which requires risk.
Yet an honest Presbyterian Scot after so many years of easy promises and glib assertions which aren’t believed any more, will be good for us. Besides there’s no one else.
New instructions to the Bank of England. Get interest rates and the Pound down. Borrow and spend. Particularly on housing and local government. Let things rip. Then go to the country in 2005 on a platform of redistribution, higher public spending, fairer taxes and humbling both big corporations and big government to make a society fit for people. Let’s grow with Labour A.S.A.P!
How to get there? Perhaps the Hutton report. Perhaps an onrush of honesty from Tony though he’ll probably cling to power like any ordinary bastard. Perhaps a defeat on University Fees where the government is in a muddle but Labours opponents are divided.
Some are against fees because they don’t want elite universities. Some want everything paid out of public spending. Some don’t like loans and student debt. Others want bursaries. Some will be bought off by mini concessions.
I’d rather stick out for increased taxes on those earning over £100,000 and a luxury rate of VAT. But why not postpone everything for a proper enquiry agreed answers? That pulls the rug out from the Tories too. |
