O'Brien talks of 'simple life'

THE upshot of the recession could be a return to a "more simple way of life" according to Cardinal Keith O'Brien.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland encouraged Christians to reflect on the millions of impoverished people around the world and the humble birth of Jesus in a stable in his Christmas message.

He said: "Perhaps a more simple way of life could even help us should more difficult economic times face us in the years which lie ahead.

"Our greatest example in all of this is the birth of Jesus Christ.

"That is the event which should continue to inspire us now and in the years ahead."