EXPECTATIONS...

Last night`s results of the Glasgow East by-election were more than a surprise for Gordon Brown and the Labour Party but perhaps not so much of a surprise for Alex Salmond and the Scottish Nationalists, who won the seat by an admitedly narrow squeak. The SNP had flooded this Labour stronghold throughout the campaign and achieved their remarkable victory with a staggering 22% swing away from Labour.

So, what of today? It`s interesting that the focus of media attention has not really been on the victorious nationalists but more on the defeated Labour Party and their beleagured leader and Prime Minister. Throughout the day, a succession of Cabinet ministers and Labour apologists have been shuffling in and out of media interviews to trot out, almost by rote, their pre-prepared monologues seeking to provide some reason for yet another election debacle under Brown`s `leadership.` They include:-

"World economic situation"

"Global markets affecting food and fuel prices"

"Electorate of Glasgow East have sent a strong message"

"We are listening to what the people are telling us"

"I`m the right man to see us through these difficult times" and, most beguilingly.....

"People expect me to get on and do the job."

I`m reminded of two things. The first is a scene from the James Bond film, `Goldfinger.` Our hero is strapped to a bench to which Blofeld the villain has attached a circular saw which edges ever closer to Bond`s nether regions. The dialogue goes like this:-

Bond : "So, you expect me to talk do you, Blofeld?"

Blofeld : "No, Mr. Bond - I expect you to die!"

Now, it`s unlikely that Gordon Brown will fall on his sword - after all, we`re dealing with politicians here - but he`s wrong to suggest that we all expect him to get on with the job and believe everything will then be fine.

Which reminds me of the second thing. In a former life, my reaction to indecision, dithering, even indolence, was to demand that those responsible should, for God`s sake, do something....even if they just said goodbye.