marshy

So therefore it is the Euro that is the problem. They are stuck within the straitjacket of what is, in effect, a fixed exchange rate system. History teaches us that all fixed rate systems are ultimately doomed to fail. How would you suggest to Portugal or Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, increasingly France I'm afraid, that they manage the currency in a better way ? They are denied the release valve of external devaluation which only leaves internal devaluation. The riots and demonstrations across Europe over the past couple of weeks in Italy, France, Greece, and Cyprus seem to suggest that the people have had a bucketfull of internal devaluation, austerity if you like, and they are now stuck in a deflationary spiral. I'm recently back from a trip to Portugal where the local rag for ex-pats informs us that 56% of the population is in receipt of state benefit and youth unemployment is approaching 40%. In other countries I believe the latter figure is even higher.. Things cannot continue like that, it is an impossible situation to sustain. The Chief of Police in fact has just resigned following a demonstration in which some of his own officers joined in a demo which stormed the building which houses the office of the Ministry of Finance. The Euro can only succeed as a single currency if Europe becomes a single country. However, having said that, it is clear that the political elite across Europe (as it stands at present ) is so determined to see this monetary experiment succeed that they will no doubt try all sorts of convoluted schemes to keep the currency on track. Unfortunately, as I said in a previous post, their experiment is causing havoc to a whole generation of young people, many of whom are having to uproot to the UK to find work. 300 000 French in London now apparently, making it France's seventh largest city. Staggering.

Proof, if any were needed, that a degree in economics is not a necessary requirement for the job. The unelected Olli Rehn, European Commisioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Euro is also well qualified academically in Economics I believe and the Euro is bringing devastation to a generation throughout Southern Europe.

I get most of my news on this via Agence France Presse (AFP). This latest report courtesy of Yahoo News. Further riots in Rome, Venice, and Turin by the 'Pitchforks'. The anti-EU, anti-austerity protests are now gathering support from right and left alike across Southern Europe. We face the bizarre prospect next year of a European Parliament full of members who don't believe in its very existence. http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/clashes-break-italy-anti-austerity-151305929.html

So they need two people to read the news to a bunch of kids. Unbelievable. Must be something to do with the concentration span of the target audience.

Nope.

BBC sent 100 to cover the event, ITV sent 9 apparently. Can't remember where I read that.

Thought I'd do some ratings. Parish.......6..Didn't have a lot to do but had me feeling jittery a few times Moloney...7..competent performance and put in some good crosses Flint..........8..solid and had the attributes required for today's game Williams...8..read the game well and one superb challenge. Cunningham.6.should have made better use of the possession he had, and of course one bad mistake that could have been costly. Wagstaff..6..put in a good shift but for me some poor decision making, and missed a good opprtunity. Elliott.......8.5..outstanding, difficult to see how some can criticise that perfomance Emm-Thom..9..desevedly mom, some good defensive stuff too. Bryan......7.... similar comment to Wagstaff, a good shift marred by some poor decision making at times Taylor.....6.5...not at his best but some good work Baldock..7.5..took his goal well and put in a good shift subs. Pack........6..didn't really make an impact Carey......didn't put a foot wrong. Manager; good team selection and lots of positive energy. Well done.

Not before time. His record with us is was truly appalling.

Made me laugh.