After one of the grimmest years, economically, any of us can remember, we’re all hoping for better in 2009.

It’s rumoured the Government may cut and run and hold a General Election this year.

Personally, after the PM bottled out of a contest in much better circumstances in autumn 2007, I’ll believe it when I see it. But if he does muster the courage, I suspect people are going to be less forgiving of Labour than he’d like.

If the Government tries to take the credit when economic news is good, it’s only right that it should take the blame for the current crisis.

So far, its response has been wholly inadequate. Instead of wasting billions on a pointless VAT cut that makes little difference, we should be using the money to cut fuel bills, invest in jobs and put money directly in the pockets of hard-working families.

Here in Oxford, I’d like to see the authorities engaging with BMW and other employers to try to limit the impact of the slowdown on their employees in the city – and the city and county councils working harder to lessen the burden on local families.

It’s going to be a difficult year, but I’m optimistic that politicians can play some part in weathering the storm. The public will be slow to forgive them if they don’t.

I’d like to take the opportunity to wish all your readers the best for 2009.

STEVE GODDARD, Parliamentary Candidate Oxford East Liberal Democrats