dug 
that we have a socialist government. (Michael Howard just said “good evening” and has started telling of one of his constituents who waited 83 weeks to see a consultant. Michael Howard. Surely you remember? arg!?)
I had almost completely lost hope for this government. I’ve voted red my whole life, mostly losing at the polls. When Tony Blair got in I was elated, but I’ve been growing increasingly disappointed with the lack of political commitment coming from number 10. Tony recently gave a ‘pep-talk’ to the party faithful. Roy Hattersley commented on the speech, pinpointing the real flaw it uncovered: a total lack of political position. I believe the pm used the word “decency” - as in Labour is the party of decency. Well, that’s a complete load of bollocks, I can find you any number of evil bastards who actually believe in decency. For that mater, even Michael Howard, the shadow chancellor might perhaps be into decency.
We have had Labour by stealth these last few years - I keep having to remind myself of the actual policy decisions (and there have been one or two) that celebrate the belief in a fairer society. This budget is the first time that this government has got up on in its (well, Gordon’s anyway) hind legs and delivered a genuinely left-wing policy.
Of course, I wanted Tony Benn not Blair, but you’ve got to start somewhere (and how about all the fuss Arlette Laguiller is kicking up across the channel)…