The Government is Wooing a Maiden - But it Doesn't have Marriage in Mind

You must have noticed, I'm sure, what a cornucopia of goodies has recently showered down upon the heads of previously neglected and despised SMEs.

The task force set up on April 1st by Lord Mandleson in order to help struggling SMEs to get bank loans is just the most recent of example of this unexpected shower of sympathy, goodwill, and (alas, only potential!) gold.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I've been around for a very long time, and I've lived a very full life, and I have to say that it seems to me that whilst this Government is certainly wooing a maiden, it's a quickie behind the bicycle sheds before the end of term rather than a marriage that it has in mind.

Wise maidens keep their heads out of the clouds and their feet on the ground and test the proffered pearls on their teeth before they uncross their legs. I suggest you do likewise.