There are a number of phrases that certain individuals should never utter and it has nothing to do with being economical with the truth.

A football chairman foolish enough to publicly rule out ever sacking the manager is asking for trouble. The Press has a long memory and who knows what is round the corner.

And there are politicians who, with the benefit of hindsight and personal experience, wished they hadn't criticised the personal lives of others or condemned parents for choosing an independent school for their children or private healthcare for their families.

One phrase I'm always wary of using is: "What do you expect?", for the simple reason that in today's society there are people who have unrealistic expectations coupled with a total disregard of their own responsibilities.

Two public meetings I have attended highlight perfectly the different expectations people have from those whom they elect.

One meeting was on a crime-ravaged estate where an old lady told of how her street was plagued by yobs. She told me all she wanted was a good night's sleep.

I remember telling her and the rest of the audience how they made me appreciate how fortunate I was to be able to drive away that night in a nice car and enjoy a meal and peaceful evening at home with my family.

A few months later that same lady spoke to me again and, in one of the most memorable moments of my life, she told me how warden patrols and police were now on top of the yobs and she was able to sleep at night.

I contrast that with others who complain that peak-hour congestion has added ten minutes to their car journey to and from work.

Well, to throw back the question, what do they expect?

With so many homes now having not one but two and sometimes three cars, the increased volume on the roads is bound to result in delay. Of course, civic leaders must do all they can to manage the situation but people need to be realistic.

People who complain about anything and everything are invariably the ones who do little to help themselves or others.

Judging from my own personal experience I happen to think the health service is improving and so is education. Streets are cleaner, GNER is actually a very good train service and we are becoming serious about tackling crime - but the public must recognise they are not a silent partner in all this.

People failing to turn up for GP or hospital appointments without cancelling in advance cost the NHS millions every year. Parents are right to expect the best for their child but only if they accept they have a major role to play. If you turn a blind eye to truancy and take no interest in your child's schoolwork then don't blame the teachers for poor exam results.

It was once suggested that being born English was like scooping the jackpot in the lottery of life. We have enjoyed low inflation for a number of years. A house, car and foreign holidays are within reach of the majority and we've even excelled ourselves at the Olympics. Don't let the pessimists persuade you otherwise, much of the world would happily swap their daily existence for the quality of life we enjoy.