Letters From A Tory Daily views on British politics and the Conservative Party from a centre-right thinker who writes letters on his blog to politicians, journalists and many others.

“It’s now emerging that dogs and cats may well be in receipt of this money”

- Australian Conservative treasury spokesman Joe Hockey, who pointed out to Kevin Rudd and his centre-left government that the cash handouts being distributed as part of an economic stimulus package may be going to cats and dogs instead of homeowners.  Every eligible person who lodged a tax return last year will receive the money, but if a deceased person’s estate was left to a family pet then they would receive this handout instead.  Government Treasurer Wayne Swan refused to directly address the pet issue when questioned in parliament, saying that “We are dealing with a global financial crisis which has turned into a global recession (yet) they are pretending that there is no need for a concerted government response.” (now where have I heard that before from a centre-left government? – Ed)