THIS is the start of a new year, and I can't remember when so many things have caused me to be so pessimistic about the future.

There are politicians who do outrageous things and, far from disgrace, they face a future of wealth that you and I could only dream of!

There are tack 'reality' programmes where various misfits under the guise of 'celebrity', are paid vast amounts to act like prima donnas. Foul language and tasteless acts are commonplace it would seem. We are under threat of terrorism due to rash decisions by the government to police the world with America, and have stepped from one war to next.

Big Brother is certainly with us! Traffic wardens on bonus, toll roads, muggers filming their prey, all watched by cameras.

Housing prices and the cost of living are out of control along with dwindling power sources that get ever more expensive! It is becoming too expensive for the working classes to live.

The kids today have role models who are nothing but glorified junkies, and consumption of alcohol has become a way of life from puberty onwards!

I can only see things getting worse until those who govern the country see the chaos they are causing. Never before has the nation been in such turmoil due to incompetence.

There are the mega-rich and those who are in the vast majority, just getting by or into debt. Anyone with a phone is prone to 'cold calls' offering anything from double-glazing to cash, at least four or five times a week. Respect and morality seem to have gone out of the window everywhere you look and it's getting worse!

I'd like to say 'Happy New Year', but I don't believe it will be.

A COLLINS