Political Uncertainties

February 20, 2011 By Malcolm Blair-Robinson

It is interesting the way so much of what happens is unforeseen by politicians and especially governments.

Suddenly the new week looks a good deal less attractive from Whitehall than Mondays in the dynamic post natal period of the coalition government. Now there is revolution in the Middle East, unemployment is rising fast, growth has stalled, inflation looks menacing, a divisive referendum campaign is opening, there is confusion and u-turns in several directions and, to cap it all, government borrowing is rising to even dizzier records. There is more. Are the GPs really to be trusted with all that money? Can the government really not get to grips with the banks? What about this business with the European Court of Human Rights? 

It is a time for steady nerves and calm deliberations. All eyes will turn to the Chancellor. Can he come up with a budget for growth which will give morale a boost and set a path to recovery? Much depends on George now. It could soon be his moment.