For my money the Government has to win the top prize for incompetence.

It's been an extraordinary week in Government circles.

The loss of these CDs in the post containing 25-million names, address, children's details and bank account numbers has to rank right up there in the 'major cock-up's of all time' category.

They say there are two types of Chancellor – those who fail, and those who get out in time.

Well, if Gordon Brown was a successful chancellor (which is highly debateable), it was because he got out just in time.

But I don't think he'll get away with it as Prime Minister, where he's turning out be either extremely unlucky, or just plain incompetent.

A few weeks ago in this column I listed that particular week's failings, but didn't go as far as others in saying new labour was the most incompetent Government in history.

Well, I'm reviewing that thought. An occasional mistake is acceptable, especially if it's followed by a swift apology, and assurance that it's dealt with and won't happen again.

But this lot don't seem to know what's going to happen next!

And then we come to the FA. It's quite astonishing to think that an organisation can be so incompetent, over such a long period of time.

I remember seeing Elton John in concert in the late 80's at the Brighton Centre, (he was then chairman of Watford FC). I recall him dedicating a song to the incompetence of the FA and the Football League!

And here we are in 2007 – having not qualified for the European Championships, and a press conference, at which the men in suits announce the sacking of Steve McClaren, and say they're going to have a thorough review of the senior level of football. Again.

What a cop-out. Why didn't they do that before – oh hang on a minute – they said that when Hoddle went. And Taylor. And Keegan etc.

These are the people who not only offered Filipe Scolari the job and announced he'd taken it before he agreed, thus unleashing the British press on him, who are not known for their restraint.

This led to him immediately withdrawing his interest and turning the post down.

Imagine what might have happened had they managed that story properly – I'm certain we'd be going to Europe next year.

Then of course they had the embarrassment of having to admit McClaren was their 2nd choice – didn't exactly give him a good start.

But worse than that – at that time they rejected Martin O'Neill, who wanted the job, in favour of McClaren.

Just about everyone believed at the time O'Neill would have been the best choice.

So this time round the best British manager in the running has said he doesn't want the job – one of the reasons was his rejection last time – and he's staying at club level.

So we miss out on a brilliant manager twice.

What a shambles. And don't lose too much sleep for Steve McClaren – he may have lost his job, but not before he gets a £2 million payout.

Not bad for losing.

I already know the outcome of this review.

They'll announce they've had a root and branch look at the structure, and it's all going to be hunky dory in the future.

Well that's alright then. Reminds me a bit of the Home Office. And the Treasury. And the Ministry of Defence. And the Dept of Health…. etc etc


Blue Monday

This evening Eastbourne council will decide whether we should have a naked dance club in town.

I'm no prude, but I hope the answer's no. I expand on this on my own blog www.iloveeastbourne.co.uk

Have a great week everyone. I promise some more positive stuff next week!


Ian writes his own blog www.iloveeastbourne.co.uk