From Free Life, Issue 26, December 1996
ISSN: 0260 5112

Although the hysteria over such mythical diseases as racism and sexism are traditionally the province of the extreme left, the authoritarian right is no less infamous for its doctrine of political correctness as espoused by censorship (particularly in sexual matters), imposed family values, and keeping the poor in their place.

But what happens when right meets left? Rose Cain, the virtual reincarnation of Margaret Thatcher, is a renowned champion of the free market and non-intervention - until her only son dies in a tragic accident. Then, spurned on by the health and safety lobby, she builds a framework of restrictive and paranoid safety legislation which cripples the economy and causes rebellion in her Cabinet, except that, as with Margaret Thatcher, her own ministers are too afraid to stand up to her.

Eventually, she, like Mrs Thatcher, falls victim to a night of the long knives, but not before she has turned Britain into a cotton wool paradise, and a pauper state.

Breezily written Nanny Knows Best is both a satirical novel and a damning indictment of state interventionism. The author describes himself as "a leading free market economist". I doubt this, but have not currently the heart to contest it as vigorously as I ought.

Iti Saflaia