HERE we go again. Another one of Tony's cronies strikes it rich with New Labour -- and the taxpayer foots the bill.

Imagine this as a job advert and the response it would receive.

Wanted, a candidate to act as leader but this is not essential as instructions will be issued from head office for a short term contract. Would suit a 53 year old male. Duration of contract -- 54 weeks. Remuneration £65,000 p.a. plus generous expenses and benefits.

Additional benefits, after the 54 weeks service, the successful candidate will receive a pension of £34,000 per year (inflation protected) for life.

Oh come on, that is just fantasy, most of us would say!

Well not in New Labour, its not! That scenario is entirely factual and has just been played out in Scotland.

Henry McLeish, the First Minister in Scotland's parliament, resigned after it was revealed that he had overclaimed £36,000 of taxpayers' money.

What a scandal. Firstly, surely pensions should not kick in until an individual retires as they do in the private sector. Secondly, for the rest of us, any other male of 53 would require an accumulated pension fund of over £500,000 to provide such a pension at present annuity rates (increasing to £600,000 if a normal widow's pension is also payable). Incidentally, this pension is in addition to £43,000 per annum salary (plus generous benefits as an MSP). Not bad for 54 weeks work. Gizza job, Tony!

John Finlay, Faringdon Avenue, Blackpool.