I can't think why anyone in their right minds should think that we want some toy money foisted on us!

It's what it sounds like and to many people it will be what it is like.

We are a small island community. OK so we are in the continent of Europe and we consider ourselves european but that is as far as it goes. We don't even get the same weather systems for goodness sake.

We will never ever be comitted european people, because of our unique position in the north sea and the difficulty we have getting off this island. I believe the Irish are the same. It might make more sense to have a single currency between the germans, italians, french swiss etc as they move more readily between each other's countries- but i don't believe that the ordinary man in the french rue wants it any more than we do. People are very territorial, we like our customs, culture, language and anything else that defines us as British- and our currency is no different.

Just look at the hoo-ha surrounding traders giving up pounds and ounces. Already there is starting to be a turn around and they are winning back the chance to advertise their wares in pounds and ounces again.

In a world where we are all starting to look alike, especially in Europe and where we can dress alike national differences are being eroded. No wonder people are clinging on to their language and currency like grim death. Not only our nationalism has been eroded, but even our rights are being taken away- such as defending your home against intruders.

It may make sense to have one coinage-but the idea is totally unworkable as everyone is too confused and scared to give up the familiar. We know where we stand with our currency and there are real fears that if it is taken away we may be worse off. Many people in this country are just managing to keep their heads above financial waters as it is. It is understandable their panic should the new system leave th
em worse off than the old.

When I was in America recently, I was asked if the euro was popular and I said it wasn't wanted not in this country and probably not in the others also. I think that was a pretty accurate response.