Happy new year

In America, we have the inauguration of a new president. Barack Obama will have his work cut out though from dealing with the US economy to the Middle East as soon as he arrives in the White House.

And his decisions will affect Britain, for example in terms of what he decides to do with the ailing American car makers - who have significant operations in this country.

It may sway how Business Secretary Peter Mandelson deals with our car industry, if he has not taken any action by then.

Gordon Brown may also be tempted to inject more cash into the British economy amid the prospect of massive job losses.

Depending on how it goes, he might even call an election.

For David Cameron, it will be a matter of finessing the Tories' policies that have seen to be confused and unclear on the economy. He is still ahead in the polls, but needs to get across the message that he would steer the economy better.

The Liberal Democrats best weapon may not be their leader Nick Clegg, but respected Treasury spokesman Vince Cable. He has held the airwaves for months after leading the way on how to deal with Northern Rock and the economy.

For everyone's sake though, I hope that the politicians do the best by the country and that we get through what could be a tough few months.