Lamont in luck
I SAY, how lacking in the true European spirit. The East Germans have been throw- ing eggs at that jolly Mr Kohl. They do not seem to like monetary union, at least in the form in which it has reached Erfurt. (That nice Dr POhl called it a disaster.) What it would be like in Tralee or Palermo, the Germans are now in no hurry to find out. They said as much at this week's meeting of European finance ministers, and Nor- man Lamont dried his eyes. It is not just that he hates the idea of a Europe required to evolve in accordance with an arbitrary timetable. Just now, Germany's difficulty is his opportunity. It has taken the steam out of the mark, and even if Dr Pohl gets his way and hoists interest rates, that need not and will not stop Mr Lamont getting our rates down. I was pleased to observe him this week lingering over luncheon in Wilton's. Chancellors need to exhibit a sense of calm and a sense of priorities.
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