[bruinbirdman]

It’s risks, not rules, that must point the way

By Sir Gus O’Donnell

10:15PM GMT 21 Dec 2011

Today I am in Sheffield with Sir Bob Kerslake (who takes over as head of the Civil Service on January 1), talking to civil servants for one final time as Cabinet Secretary and head of the Civil Service. I will reflect on some of the many ways that the service has changed, but more importantly I want to look ahead to the future and the challenges that my successors will face.

I joined the Civil Service in 1979 – the year Scotland voted on whether to establish a regional assembly (although the turnout fell short of the threshold set by the government of the day), and Wales voted against; Jim Callaghan lost a vote of no confidence and Margaret Thatcher became PM; Lord Mountbatten . . . .

(cont.)

[spokeshave]

The remarks in today’s Daily Telegraph are Sir Gus’s final public comments before he steps down as Cabinet Secretary and head of the Civil Service on Jan 1.

Hey Gus.....you joined in 1979....32 years ago and wait till 12 days before retiring before making a bold statement.....

[2ndDivisionVet]

Now give me the bad news...

[Lazlo in PA]

...Sir Gus O’Donnell asks whether the Union can survive increasing pressure for Scottish independence.

I feel like I am to blame for this. My inordinate single malt scotch purchases over the years may have given the Scots the necessary funding to make there independence achievable. Sorry.

[agere_contra]

The break-up of the Union doesn't pose a 'tremendous challenge'. It's a tremendous opportunity.

Go for it Scotland! Chart your own future!

And pay for your own social security! And stop interfering in English politics!

[phockthis]

sfl