Blog: Measuring our happiness

So, the Government wants to measure our happiness, writes Jon Simcock.

Our Prime Minister reckons it's time to stop measuring the nation's well-being in terms of wealth and start looking at a bigger picture.

Call me cynical, but he would say that, wouldn't he?

Just as Mr Cameron sets about making more cuts than the last winner of the King of Cuts cutting championships, he starts to spread the message that quality of life is more important than wealth.

Funny, isn't it, that it's always wealthy people who tell you that.

So how will Dashing Dave measure the wellbeing of the nation if it's not to be in terms of straight cash?

Will he take into consideration the honesty of our politicians? That might prove a little difficult for the man in charge of a coalition which appears to regard pre-election promises as useless baggage to be ditched at the first opportunity. One would never question the integrity of both the PM and his deputy, but a quick look at the old Collins concise might enlighten them about what exactly what the word promise means.

Will he take into consideration the future for our children? He could, but will have to explain why he wants to saddle any ordinary youngster who aspires to university with the sort of debt which would have even Gordon Brown blushing.

Surely he could take into account our great sporting heritage and the fact that the Olympics will be here in 2012? Yes, that's fantastic, but it's possibly not the greatest idea to be cutting our schools' sports budget at the same time.

The best idea, Mr Cameron, is a simple one.

You get on with the job of running the country to the best of your ability and leave the feel-good factor well out of it.

And if you feel tempted at any time in the future to revisit this idea, just ask yourself one question.

What would Winston Churchill say?