EC evaluation - No easy way to rebuild economy

Yesterday’s European Commission progress report, the one based on principles aimed at reaching a point where the public finances — and services — are stabilised and sustainable, leaves little enough wriggle room for a Government that would dearly like to be able to sweeten the 2015 budget when it is announced in a few months.

It was less than enthusiastic too about efforts to cut unemployment figures, especially long-term unemployment rates.

The assessment is also critical of the poor rate of progress in remaking our health system, especially efforts at streamlining management and delivering value for money. In school report terms it says we’re doing well enough but can, or must, do better.