With friends like this...

This is very disappointing:

SCOTTISH Enterprise should be given an increased budget if First Minister Jack McConnell is serious about boosting Scotland’s economy being the number one priority of the Scottish Executive, according to the Institute of Directors.

The IoD used to be a consistent opponent of unnecessary government spending but it seems to have been nobbled by the Blair regime:

Watt’s comments are unusual for business groups, which have more often called for the SE budget to be trimmed back.

At least Mr Watt acknowledges that the Scottish economy suffers from the burden of higher business taxation and an out-of-control planning system. But it simply isn't good enough for the IoD to advocate higher spending on quangos like Scottish Enterprise. Abolish it and cut taxes.