Spanish practices in perks and property...

There was a bit of an image problem for Spain when trade unions called the shots in Seventies Britain by demanding more money for less work, layered with a load of bosses' perks.

It was likened to traditional similar practices in Spain and the insult stuck, despite that country subsequently becoming a dynamic Med powerhouse with a strong economy, 21st century communications, and the leading tourist destination and international property market.

Margaret Thatcher kicked the trade unions and their “Spanish practices” into touch, resulting in the strongest-ever Britsh economy as inherited by the incoming McBroon government.

Now the country is looking busted with £750 billion of debt and wracked by the parliamentary expenses scandal, the media has harked back to the Seventies for the ultimate sobriequet "Spanish practices" to describe the fiddles and scams of McBroon ministers and MPs from all parties.

The unspeakable Mick Martin was cast in the role of the old trade union boss, living it up with the free big house and chauffer cars and encouraging the Honourable Members to claim for the maximum on the taxpayers’ tab...

When the House of Commons members were exposed as “indulging in old-style Spanish practices”, the shop steward simply had to go. Commentators, such as the BBC’s Nick Robinson - their one terrier in a team of political poodles - have used the “Spanish practices” phrase and it has been revived in the minds of the general public.

But it should now carry the different usage and meaning. The last time a Spanish Government lied to its citizenry – “ETA blew up commuter trains in Madrid” - it was swept from office within weeks.

That’s one “Spanish practice” that could be useful in ridding Britain of the failed McBroons and their poor governance, ongoing spin, failed fiscal policy and downright dishonesty. Over-50s in Britain remember clearly the benefits of renewal process started by the incoming Thatcher government... they’d like to see similar sooner rather than later.

Meantime, they are becoming more aquainted with the practice of buying property in Spain, cashing in on that country’s recessional woes, such as Spanish bank repossessions and other distressed sales. Over-50s reckon spending more time out of Britain might be better for their health, welfare and wallet.