UK system is poor - but they're not ruled by bureaucrats and quangos like we are

Unlike Ireland, Britain is a tolerably well-governed country. Its administration has many defects besides those deplored by the European observers, but it has survived two world wars and the collapse of most of its traditional industries

James Downey

Journalists from the major continental media flocked to Britain this week to cover the general election. They have not been impressed.

You might have supposed that they would dislike David Cameron's evident belief that more welfare cuts would settle the problems of the economy or the likelihood that a government run by Ed Miliband and Ed Balls would spend recklessly.