COUNTRIES, just like people, have moods; and Britain's is
somewhat grumpy right now. It is bored and disillusioned with
politicians, not least with Tony Blair. It is unimpressed by
public services, despite the public money Mr Blair has poured
into them. It is cross about rising taxes and interest rates. It
is concerned about social cohesion and frightened by its home-
grown bombers. It is furious about the Iraq war and George Bush.
And, to cap it all, its cricket team can't win anything.  Yet in
a way it is odd that Britain's spirits should be low. The place
is enjoying a period of extraordinary prosperity. Fourteen years
of stable growth have kept unemployment down. There have been
social gains as well as economic ones: fewer children and
pensioners live in poverty than ten years ago. Crime is broadly
lower. And with prosperity has come renewed political clout.
Britain has helped to shape aid for Africa, the debate on
climate change, European enlargement and, last week,
negotiations to restart world trade tal