IT would appear Gordon Brown has become Prime Minister during a period of industrial discontent, another bout of foot-and-mouth disease and a banking crisis.

One could say he is most unfortunate, during a pre-election period.

I do think the uncertainty of a General Election could upset the money market. It would be far better having a four-year fixed term government, like the US, instead of the PM of the day keeping the nation guessing.

As a Scottish Prime Minister, I hope he has the intention of updating the outdated Barnett Formula, which is reported to cost the North- East up to £2bn a year and would give us extra funds for the NHS, care of our elderly, education plus industrial investment.

Perhaps he can give the managing director of Thorn Lighting some recognition for having the insight to build a more modern factory at Green Lane, Spennymoor, to enable his firm to compete in a highly competitive global market?

Councillor Ben Ord, Liberal Democrat, Sedgefield Borough Council.