Darling Darling

Today's FT has a damning leader about Alistair Darling. His claim that the UK economy is in the worst shape for 60 years is nonsense. Unemployment and inflation are still low. There is no prospect of introducing a three day working week or seeking a bail-out from the IMF. His hyperbole about the economy is juxtaposed by his understatement about the performance of the Government which he describes as "not doing ok." He's obviously fed up with taking over GB's poisoned chalice but even so he has himself to blame for the nationalisation of Northern Rock and the indecision about cancelling stamp duty for first time buyers and imposing windfall taxes on energy companies. My bet is that both he and Jacqui Smith will be dumped in the next Cabinet reshuffle, if indeed GB makes it that far.