Just deserts
Sir: Oh dear. Have I neglected my old friend Michael Gove so much that he can draw such erroneous conclusions about me? (`The doctor of Bray', 19/26 Decem- ber). I did indeed praise the New Labour government on its first 200 days, but it did not last. By the time the Adam Smith Insti- tute published a verdict on its first 500 days (Labour & Liberty), their score was 74 per cent negative. I attack them in the media every week for not taking a more free-mar- ket line.
The only aspect of Gordon Brown's euro policy I praised was his commitment to keep Britain out of it during this parlia- ment. I am hugely critical of his increased taxes, especially the raid on pension funds. I have not joined a political party since Michael Gove was knee-high, nor do I intend to: a brief diary story to the contrary was swiftly corrected.
Margaret Thatcher earned praise for courage and integrity, as did John Major and Tony Blair. Recent events show that William Hague is not short of his share of either; praise where it is due. I have not, however, said a single word in praise of Geoffrey Robinson, nor do I expect to.
The Millennium Dome attracted my sup- port even under Michael Heseltine. I am, at least, consistent, unsettling though this is to those who prefer a blind loyalty to party. A think-tank has to influence whatever gov- ernment the electors thrust upon it. Our role is to help them do the right things, not to slag off everything they do. I have not been offered so much as a British Expedi- tionary Medal, much less a peerage, and as for being compared to Lord Cranborne, ouch! What did I do to deserve that? Dr Madsen Pitle
Adam Smith Institute, 23 Great Smith Street, London SW1
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