WE are to believe that the NHS has been in the safe hands of Dr John Reid since 2003.
The expression, "trust me, I'm a doctor" springs to mind.
But Dr Reid's doctorate is not in medicine but in economic history, 19th century West African slavery to be precise. But that's close enough I suppose.
In the latest cabinet reshuffle, Dr Reid moves into defence and takes over from Geoff Hoon, a barrister by trade. This is the job Dr Reid really wanted, it is rumoured, and indeed, he is no stranger to this area.
As a junior Defence Minister in 1997 he succeeded in cutting military costs and it is said his friends noticed how he came to love the technicalities of defence administration and was able to recite missile specifications at the drop of a hat. They say he became fond of taking the salute at military parades. So again, we're all going to be in safe hands.
Dr Reid has come a long way since joining the Communist Party in 1973, but why do we bother with the position of Secretary of State for Defence at all?
The post is patently not filled by military people so the incumbents need to be constantly advised, one hopes, by military experts.
The Prime Minister personally took the decision to invade Iraq so what real purpose does the Secretary of State have? A whipping boy perhaps?
Dr Reid will at least be able to combine his old and new roles, and ensure the NHS provides first class treatment of those injured in the Iraq war.
M SQUIRES
Nythe, Swindon
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