chris955

I agree, that is a ridiculous attitude but not one I have come across. People seem fully aware of the problems but equally dont see it as the end of the world as we know it.

commonwealth

Some reality check

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/c...e-remains.html

Loch Lomond

Well done Andy Murray, maybe a double gold tonight

Cuthbert Rizla

Can I just say how delighted I am that the Australians are doing poorly at these Olympics.

They are, by a country mile, the most ungracious losers in any sport you care to mention.

I hope the country is plunged into a slough of despond,soul-searching and bitter recrimination.

But not for long because the next Ashes are coming up soon and the Aussies also happen to be the best scrappers in the world when their backs are up against the wall.

Loch Lomond

Now 24th in the medal's table. They're doing this on purpose now to show that they're not really trying.

Zen10

Yes they are very bad losers, and I think that is something they will be forced to address after the games. They are 8th in terms of overall medals which is excellent considering there are 204 countries competing, yet their lack of golds is keeping them at 24th. They should be more grateful for what they have. Your "backs against the wall" sentiment is bang on target - they are going to be so angry at their failure to get gold I imagine we will see a turnaround before Rio 2016 but they are going to have to stop focusing on one event (pool) so much.

the troubadour

I imagine the poor result will see the reduction in the form of cuts in social sevices as all the onus falls on improving Australan sporting prowness. lol...

mel39

Agree the external debt is high - but so are external assets The figure is so high as so many major banks are based in the UK.

If I had a mortgage of £500,000 with no other assets I'd be worried but if I had £550,000 in the bank I wouldn't be.

The UK economy is not in thee greatest shape, but if the EU goes down Australia and the rest of the world will go with it!

Zen10

British external assets will depreciate like everyone else's when the places they are in crash. In 2008, UK had net assets of £7.1 trillion, and liabilities of £7 trillion, so assets exceed liabilities by the tiniest of margins. Any deterioration in the value of those assets will tip the balance.

No, Australia is not impervious and will be affected when the EU goes down the crapper like anywhere else.

fish.01

And the vicious cycle continues. Aussies have been bought up thinking Brits are the worst winners in the world and that they use it as an opportunity to goad other countries...and so think they must deprive Brits of the opportunity. Brits think Aussies are worst losers and they deserve goading when they lose to Britain and react badly...and the cycle continues....lets break the cycle, all hold hands and repeat...some knobs on both sides...some knobs on both sides....

chris955

I do agree about the Brits often being the worst winners, sometimes they seem almost apologetic for winning.

Zen10

Like when the England football team dry hump each other and rip their shirts off when they get a goal against the Fatherland?

chris955

I'm not sure what the relevance is to be honest ?

Zen10

I point out that this British behaviour is hardly "apologetic" about winning. They revel in it like anyone else.

fish.01

Why do I bother...