The party conference season is over and policy suggestions made to voters must now be turned into reality in Parliament and in the country.
Top of the list is the economy. Sadly, without trying to talk it down, things look bleak.
The IMF has warned of the risk of a full-blown recession. Key business figures say the government needs to act. The Bank of England is now bailing out the economy to counteract the contractions caused by government policy but it probably won't do the trick - the Governor is talking of the worst scenario since the 1930s.
The economy is virtually stagnant. Household spending is at the lowest level for a decade as people cut spending on groceries, petrol and daily goods as well as bigger ticket items. People are struggling to cope with ever rising food and energy prices, plus the VAT increase.
Add in the difficulties faced by small and medium sized companies in borrowing money.
And then add in a cull of public sector jobs which affects women, in particular, very severely and curbs spending power.
And then add in the rising gloom in the Eurozone who are big trading partners and whose troubles cross the channel.
It is all adding up to what could be a perfect storm when all the worst possibilities come together
I accept that some belt tightening is necessary but modern governments need to be smart and flexible in how they do it.
I am beginning to think that the government has bitten off more than it can chew.
At first it seemed simple. Curb the public sector and reinvigorate the private sector. The temporary pain would be forgotten or forgiven with a few tax cuts in the run up to the election in 2015. But the theory isn't working.
The North-East knows full well how economic hurricanes can tear down businesses and jobs in practice.
Young people are now marching to mark the 75th anniversary of the Jarrow crusade for jobs and dignity.
Their spirit and their historical predecessors' will guide me and others in advocating growth and jobs.
A good government doesn't stand aside but uses its powers to unlock our people's talents and encourage private and public organisations to work together for the common good.
Newcastle Chronicle and Journal
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