A more active day spoilt by a relapse with me gasping for breath as my chest infection took hold and then Diana fell ill too as Ulster Protestants strike against Anglo-Irish agreements, Conservative Council lose actions to save their reserves for spending and with oil at an all-time spot-price low of $15 and down to $12-13 for April delivery The Thatcher government now reaps the results of the lack of oil depletion and manufacturing policies
A good night and morning, as I took the last of my anti-bacterial drugs and sat in bed reading the daily paper and mail. Up in late morning, showered and dressed, but already the cough was getting worse so that I could hardly breathe. To the office and, stopping for lunch, I spent the rest of the day sorting out my papers, paying numerous bills, and filing all of the items that had accumulated. A strenuous effort and, instead of the exertion having the desired effect of clearing my chest through the exercise and upright posture, I ended up gasping for breath and having to turn into bed for the evening.
Then Diana got ill with a tummy upset and so we all went to bed in some disarray. Principal news today was of the Northern Ireland Protestant day of strikes and protest. Much disruption, but the majority of it put down to picketing and intimidation, rather than the majority making a peaceful protest. The day ended as it began, with Protestant road blocks, burning cars and much televised incident to tarnish NI’s image still further, as a province worthy of economic and industrial investment. News also of Conservative Councils losing a High Court action to prevent Manchester, Birmingham and London spending their reserves in grants, prior to the end of their existence this month. An injunction was granted until Monday, however, to allow consideration by the Court of Appeal. A replacement for the Swedish Prime Minister, Mr Ingvar Carlsson , is sworn in and will pursue the same Social Democratic Party’s policies, in spite of the assassination of his predecessor. The honeymoon is over in the Philippines, as new President (Cory Aquino) has to settle rows amongst both the military and politicians in the manoeuvrings of the post-Marcos era. Already court actions around the world are trying to recoup the Philippine assets appropriated by ex-President Marcos. The pound sterling drops further, as North Sea crude oil hits its all-time low of $16 for March and down to $12/13 for April delivery. The Thatcher government now reaps the results of the lack of oil depletion and manufacturing policies. There is a partial ceasefire in the teacher’s dispute, but now they face the new year’s negotiations in militant mood. The big thaw is forecast, but tonight will be very cold again, as the last one.