THE country is going through the worst recession for years, millions of pounds is being spent on an unwinnable conflict in Afghanistan and an important debate is going on regarding how to look after our increasingly ageing population.

These are just a few of the problems facing the Government. Important enough on their own, surely. But no. An anti-bullying organisation has received complaints from some members of Gordon Brown's staff that he loses his temper with them and rants and raves when things irritate him.

Don't these complainers realise that running a country is very stressful, not now and then, but every day?

If they can't take the heat stay out of the kitchen!

I am no fan of Grumpy Gordon and his bunch of misfits but I can sympathise that at times he will lose his temper if things don't go to plan.

Some years in the army and many long years in journalism have shown me what can happen when those at the top of the tree hit a stressful period.

All hell is likely to break loose

Some editors I have worked for would make Gordon seem quite saintly. It was just part of a day's work to be berated by an irate editor. We all learnt to take it with a pinch of salt.

Perhaps if these complainers want an easy stress-free occupation they should go and live on a desert island and pick coconuts.

To all those who complain about Gordon's temper tantrums I would urge them to take it in their stride. He has more important work to do than worry about him losing his volcanic temper with them from time to time.

You've got one thing in your favour, Gordon, your time at the top is nearly over. Have a good retirement!

COLIN RICHEY Lazenby Road, Tiverton