Plain and simple?
Politics, as I have repeatedly noted, is a tricky business. Decisions are seldom plain and never simple.
Just look at the complex web of inter-connected issues confronting politicians in Britain at the moment .
After talks with oil industry leaders in the North-east of Scotland, the prime minister suggests North Sea oil output will be increased in an effort, over the medium term, to reduce the pressure on prices at the pump.
But how does that square with the conservation of scarce resources? How will he answer pointed comments from the SNP about the cash value of the North Sea?
The Chancellor and the PM are under pressure to abandon a planned hike in petrol and diesel tax. They say they are listening - but also keen to adhere to the government's green strategy.
Our soil
Quite. Should the UK Government relent and ease the strain on business? Or should we, collectively, bear the burden of higher prices in order to force us to change our behaviour in ways that help the environment?
Then another pressure point. The UK Government is hinting, again, that nuclear energy may be required to play a greater role in the provision of electricity.
The Scottish Government says: not on our soil.
I say again, politics is difficult. Views welcome.
I'm 
Comments
or to comment.