I think it's pretty obvious that with rising fuel prices, rising food prices and the American banking crisis all being out of Government control, had Howard been elected in the last election he'd have fared no better.
In fact with Tory instincts of non-intervention I suspect he'd have let Northern Rock go to the wall and possibly precipitated a banking crises! - but we'll never know.
I think it's a shame that the way the political system works is that the moment any government senses that they've made a mistake and tries to correct it there are howls of derrision and all the dogs start baying for blood.
The thought of being seen as changing your mind as as much a nightmare to Margaret Thatcher "the lady's not for turning". Despite this she famously did over Europe.
Maybe one day politicians will be able to say we've reconsidered and have changed our minds and be congratulated for it.
But I'm not holding my breath