Job for the (Scottish) Boys

I am not an early riser as many of my friends will attest. However I do try and ensure, whenever possible, that I am up and about for at least the last hour of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4.

Towards the end of last week, when the programme was dealing with such issues as, Northern Rock, political expenses and the actions of Mr.Speaker it dawned on me that all the Government ministers appearing on Today were Scottish - certainly by tone of voice. It was either Duncan McHighands or Ewan Lochness or Stuart MacSky- surely there must be one or two Labour ministers that come from say Yorkshire or Dorset or London who can waffle on in our own language about "being concerned" and " taking this very seriously" or "not being complacent" and the all time classic "I have made it clear"

However, for me, the pinnacle of political weasel words are "lessons will be learnt" How many times have we been told this, and yet subsequently, we have no idea, whether anything has actually been learnt. Roughly translated, I suspect that the expression means that a minister wants to give the impression that something will be done, but doubts that the task will be completed or that there is any money available to complete it. Certainly, its most unlikely that he/she will be in post if or when the truth comes out.

Why do we put up with it? Why is it that Governments become inept over time. I have been reading for the second time - its that good -"The Rules of the Game" by Andrew Gordon - which is a superb account and analysis of the Royal Navy leading up to, and following, the Battle of Jutland in 1916. After the engagement there was much recrimination, both political and within the Royal Navy, which in many respects suggests certain similarities to that going on now as regards Iraq and Afghanistan - questions about resources, leadership, strategy and political will/or will not. We never seem to learn. Whilst Jutland is not in the same league as say Iraq the shortcomings are much the same. Supposedly we should learn from history.

Furthermore, one of the major differences between now and say 1916 is that we no longer have, in resource terms, the materials and financial strength of the Colonies/Commonwealth to fall back on. It is, therefore, even more irritating to be told, constantly, by our Prime Minister and other members of Government, that there are "difficult decisions to be made" - this essentially can be translated into -there is not enough money to go round. Perhaps the answer is not to look at war as a political ego trip but use the money instead for more deserving and constructive purposes at home.

Returning to the Today programme, I have a lot of time for John Humphrys and got to thinking that he certainly would by one of the people I would like to meet over dinner. Any others? Well - Andrew Robson or Omar Sharif representing my bridge interests - Christopher Martin Jenkins or Ritchie Benaud, my cricket interests - Simon Barnes the Times Nature Correspondent -Iain Dale political blogger - and finally Matthew Parris.

As for the venue. Somewhere warm. Just East of Cape St.Vincent is a lovely fishing village (possible small town by now) called Sagres, where overlooking the harbour, is a restaurant that serves fresh caught lobster and local white wine. Simple but good.

Mind you, getting there from Faro airport might be a pain.