I’m an uncool old fogey who must get to grips with the virtual universe

I AM increasingly convinced that events move in cycles. Our current economic difficulties, particularly the unsustainability of the public finances seem to mirror the 1980s — increased borrowing, political procrastination, public sector conflict and, ultimately, cutbacks.

Sectors of business are on a continuous cycle: stable growth leads to extra capacity; too many outlets result in an attritional price war and as demand contracts, there is rationalisation and consolidation. Then the cycle starts all over again.

Heartbreaking tragedies relating to road traffic accidents, flood damage and health service failures recur continually. Maradonna’s Argentinian hand has been replicated by Thierry Henry.