Is Darling backtracking already?
Peter Hoskin 9:33am
One of the most dangerous elements of yesterday's Pre-Budget Report for the Government was Alistair Darling's claim that the economy would start recovering by the third quarter of 2009. It's an optimistic prognosis, and gives the Tories an open goal if things aren't on the up by then. But has Darling already started backtracking on it, to limit the damage? I may be reading too much into this, but here's what he told the Beeb earlier:
"I do believe towards the end of next year things will improve."
Now - as James Kirkup usefully points out over at Three Line Whip - the Chancellor's claim yesterday was effectively that the recession ends in 219 days, or just over seven months. To my ears, that doesn't quite translate as "towards the end of next year"...
Hat-tip: Politics Home
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Lucan C Heraclitus
November 25th, 2008 10:13am Report this commentHe's clearly just making it up as he goes along.
Andy Leeds
November 25th, 2008 11:27am Report this commentThe man hasn't got a bloody clue. Nor has Gordon the Moron.
Maskelayne
November 25th, 2008 11:34am Report this commentHe also claimed on Today that the country will be "living within its means". He's the best standup comedian since Tommy Cooper - but this time the disappearances will be real and lasting.
TrevorsDen
November 25th, 2008 12:24pm Report this commentThe sole purpose of any words spoken in these budget statements is to simply get round the moment. If that means glossing over the reality - 'so what?'. It secures a sound bite it pleases the backbenchers. When it all unravels later then why, just invent another little fib.
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