Sorry, but subjects of banks, lending and austerity won’t go away in 2013

THERE are loads of topics I’d prefer not to write about for this column, or talk about on my radio programme, during 2013.

There are many reasons for this, but partly because I’m bored writing about them, having written about them so often in recent years. So why not just move on and write and talk about other things? This may seem like a strange way to invite you to read a column but I’m now going to list my least favourite likely topics for writing about during 2013 (and for covering on radio) and explain why I’ll still be covering them, despite my (and possibly your) misgivings.

ABORTION: We’re going to get legislation for the introduction of what is almost certain to be the most limited form of abortion possible. This will not dissuade elements in the anti-abortion lobby from a campaign of distortion and lies, such as claiming that the Government is introducing “abortion on demand”, exaggerating greatly what is going to be enshrined in law. Many politicians will be put under intolerable pressure. Much of the public discourse will be ugly. But the legislation has to happen and it will have to be covered by the media which, like the politicians, cannot be cowed from dealing with the issue.