Action this day

By Jason Moore THE trade unions are accusing the leader of the Balearic government, Francesc Antich, of doing little to combat rising unemployment. They have also claimed that Antich has failed to live-up to his promises on job creation. While, I do admit that there is little that the regional authority can do to combat the world-wide recession I think the Balearic government could be doing a bit more. Winter tourism has been left to die really for a variety of reasons but the Balearic government should be underlining the fact that these islands are a year-round tourist destination and there is plenty to do in the winter from concerts to eating out or even shopping. The Balearic government could held shopkeepers by allowing them to open when they want and also by providing some street entertainment to bring Palma to life at the weekend. I know it is difficult to be upbeat at the moment but perhaps with a bit of imagination the Balearics could weather the economic storm. What the local authorities cannot do in the present economic climate is to sit back and just hope for the best. These islands have seen recessions before and have survived so what is needed is that same spirit that made the Balearics the best loved tourist destination in the world.