Smiling in the face of adversity

Published on Saturday 1 November 2008 18:51

IT WAS with astonishment that I read Alistair Darling stating "I have enjoyed going in to work every day" in the middle of what he also stated was "the worst economic crisis for 60 years" (Insight, October 26). This statement perfectly summed up the attitude and objectives of Mr Darling and Gordon Brown in their handling of this crisis.

Only a few weeks ago they were in the depths of depression with Labour in disarray across the UK and both of their political futures on the line. Then like a gift from above the financial crisis appeared and suddenly they rose from super fools to super heroes, as their political team have now identified them.

While people are losing their homes and jobs, Mr Darling, and no doubt Mr Brown, are enjoying their jobs immensely.

These two were part of the farce which Labour have presided over for the last 11 years. It was Mr Brown who handled the financial mismanagement of the British economy which has now left us with one of the worst balanced economies in the developed world – and they are taking praise for their current handling of the crisis?

Yes, this is a global problem, but other countries are much better prepared to ride out the storm.

Two final points on how Scotland alone could have handled the present crisis. The present loans being handed out by the Government are being issued at 12% while they are receiving them at a much lower rate. This could have been handled by Scotland with more favourable terms to our banks in trouble.

The loss of jobs to Edinburgh when the Lloyds merger goes ahead will be catastrophic to the Scottish economy, our national pride and the long-term health of our country. Handled by our own politicians with a personal interest in the long-term future of our country, I am sure would have resulted in the survival of the RBS and HBOS.

JJ Murphy, West Calder