Easy ride for the Transport Secretary

Not everyone, it seems, had trouble getting into work today.

Some, like Transport Secretary Alistair Darling, were driven to work by a chauffeur and did not have to worry about the Tube strike.

Politicians, of course, always have a very good reason why they should travel by car when the rest of us have to make do with train or Tube - when they are running, that is.

Like John "two Jags" Prescott said, it is because of security and the fact they have to carry important papers, in their famed red boxes, at all times.

Ministers are promoting the part-privatisation of the Tube, saying it will mean a much improved service. For the general public, that is, not for them. They will still travel by car.