Some of Austin's opinions as expressed in various ways over recent months/years.

This recession is going to be harder and deeper than first thought. Growth is faltering, consumers are crippled with debt, house prices are falling and public spending has plateaued. All this is compounded by a credit squeeze.

We need a new set of policies. Stimulate the economy by reducing interest rates, boosting spending, and have a big building programme. Housing Associations and Councils should be provided with money to pay for a mini building boom.

The essential job is to boost demand. So reduce interest rates and ensure a competitive exchange rate. Scrap the so-called golden rules. Borrow to spend on those who need it most. A big boost to the winter fuel allowance is an obvious necessity.

Fairness demands fair sacrifices. The rich, the high earners and the city must now pay their wack in what has to be a national effort to re balance the economy, increase production in manufacturing, and build up the strength of the nation, the union and the people.

We should offer change, not as the Tories did in 1992 by changing leader, for Gordon's a serious figure, and I don't see any real or substantial alternative.

A turn round for Labour is possible. We've improved things a lot over eleven years, particularly in education and health. Now we've got to protect these achievements, and ensure that we come through and make society fairer.