I freely admit this is an indulgent blog and rather outside what I see as my scope, but I felt an obligation to make some points on the subject of the attacks on Alistair Darling and to record a thank you to Evan Davis of the BBC for saving me time in expressing many of my concerns (not that he was or probably is aware of my concerns).

I had been fearing that I was alone – and perhaps misguided – in my assessment of the holiday outpourings of Chancellor Alistair Darling that appeared in the Guardian.

I had been of the view that the Government had, up to that point, been either underplaying or was simply blissfully unaware of the scale of the potential economic problems we face. Admittedly, the strength of my views may be partly down to the housing industry – a sector I cover – being at the centre of the storm.

So, while I may disagree or not with his assessment, I naturally saw Mr Darling’s “truth telling” as refreshing and valuable, because one way or another the truth would out.

Subsequently, I have been astounded by the criticism he has faced and not a little disappointed, not least because it seemed to me that much of the criticism has come from people who either have not read or are not able or willing to grasp what he actually said.

Even the usually informative BBC Newsnight programme I found baffling, when it tackled the subject. It’s panel of ex-political advisers appeared to be suggesting that being “straight” with the country in the face of potential danger was bad thing. How dangerously cynical we have become.

Meanwhile, I noted how ironic it was that when in the same week Mayor Ray Nagin ordered an evacuation of New Orleans, in preparation for what he called “the mother of all storms”, he was praised, even though he was clearly hyping like crazy. But, maybe, just maybe he might have been right. And then what? He was afforded respect for his warning.

The truth is that no one really knows how bad things will get economically. Clearly, they are worse and looking like being significantly more prolonged than generally thought six months ago, let alone a year ago when the the troubles were supposedly isolated in the US. In that sense many of Mr Darling’s views are already correct.

Further, there is a strong argument to support the view that what we face today must be taken more seriously than the scale of any troubles faced at any point for 60 years, simply because we do not know how this episode in our history will pan out. Without wishing to get too philosophical, the uncertainly alone makes this a bigger problem to us now than it will seem when we finally guide ourselves through it, as we will.

So, to the point of this blog. I was delighted when sent a link to the latest blog by Evan Davis, former BBC economics editor and now Today programme presenter.

For me it is recommended reading. I have always held Mr Davis in high regard, my regard for him has risen.