THE furore over MPs’ expenses is subsiding and the local and European elections have had their fair share of publicity, as has the media-inspired campaign to unseat Gordon Brown.

The so-called Labour rebellion, which only amounted to a few sour grapes ex-ministers, leaves Mr Brown with the difficult task of getting the country through this recession and restoring the creditability of the House of Commons.

Even if he does succeed in turning the economy around – signs of which are now appearing – his greatest dangers are the rising unemployment figures and his dour Scottish personality.

The English Shires have a pathological dislike of Mr Brown. No surprise then that the SNP in Scotland is growing stronger and it may not be long before First Minister Alex Salmond calls for a referendum on independence. That would set the cat among the political pigeons.

Our right-wing dominated press have been relentless in attacking the PM which demeans it as purveyors of news and comment.

Isn’t it strange that the Tory paymasters, directors of banks and faceless City financiers – those who landed us in this fiscal mess – are now in the ascendancy?

However, before the General Election a lot of water will flow under the bridge, the result of which will be totally unpredictable.

Hugh Pender, Darlington.