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So we end the series much as we began, by discussing the state of the economy.

Certainly a lot has happened since we began our run last September. For many the situation has got worse.

For some of the businesses we have spoken to, business isn't necessarily slower, but they have now had months of poorer takings and that has a cumulative impact.

The odd green shoot may be poking through. Unemployment dropped in the last quarter in the North East.

But we are still some way off full-blown recovery.

What else has changed in the last nine months?

Our politicians are still held in low public esteem, but thanks to the expenses row, MPs have provided more grist for the mill.

Gordon Brown is still in power, but still - according to most polls - unpopular and heading for defeat.

We have seen a host of MPs announce their departure at the next election - but there are still many more candidates queuing up to replace them.

No doubt some of them will be appearing in our next run.

A General Election awaits!

Still I think I'll get the summer over with first.

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