The Iraq conflict may be over but Tony Blair and friends have had to keep the flak jackets on, this time over his botched ministerial reshuffle. Poor old Alistair Darling, for example, already struggling with his job and a half as transport secretary, also takes the title of Scottish secretary in a confusing realignment of constitutional affairs.

Darling is the not the first government high roller to have to juggle responsibilities. But the plate spinning proved too much for Brian Wilson, former minister for energy, construction and the environment, who has retired from government “to live a more normal life”. Tellingly, when paying tribute to Wilson, trade and industry secretary Patricia Hewitt made no mention of any construction achievements in her speech.

The construction portfolio now hands over to Nigel Griffiths, who is also minister for small business and enterprise and, following Michael Meacher’s demise, is also lucky enough to look after genetically modified foods. He is going to be busy.

This is a far cry from the days of construction minister Nick Raynsford, whose sole responsibility was to the industry. If the Government is serious about one of the UK’s biggest sectors, then surely it deserves better than this?

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor