THE BANKS: BUSINESS AS USUAL

Like many people, I'm convinced the banks haven't really got the message. They are just itching to get back to 'business as usual' - huge profits and fat bonuses, as soon as they reckon we've forgotten the plot. Happy to take wild risks, knowing Jo Public would have to bail them out. 'Communism for the rich', as a wag has called it. During the banking crisis we came perilously close to meltdown.

Now the Governor of the Bank of England, Mervyn King, confirms our suspicions. The bankers haven't got the message, neither has the government - a New Labour government. King said government support for the banks had been 'breathtaking' at close to £1 trillion.

Paraphrasing Churchill, the Governor continued: 'Never has so much money been owed by so few to so many. And, one might add, so far with little real reform.'

The bankers continue on their merry way, whistling all the way to the bank, occasionally turning round, grinning and putting two fingers up to Jo Public.