Dave of Manchester is naive in his belief that victims of racist remarks have to belong to an ethnically separate 'race'. Disparaging remarks directed at Sikhs, for example, have been ruled as racist. The bottom line is that all jibes and sneers directed at minorities are unacceptable in a civilised society, and Dave of Manchester should indeed be 'sorry' for believing otherwise.

Andrew May, De Panne, Belgium

Considering that Scottish people aren't a 'race' I fail to see how Lord Desai's remark can be racist. Sorry, Douglas and Andrew.

On a slightly more serious note, I think that the main body of his argument, typified by the remark "Gordon Brown was put on earth to remind people how good Tony Blair was" is going to stick with and haunt this Prime Minister.

On a far more serious note - hasn't Lord Desai got just fantastic hair?

Dave, Manchester, UK

I wonder if he would be offended if I said his comparison was rather chapati like. Thin and insubstantial.

CR, London,

Political Correctness has ensured that only people like Lord Desai, an Indian-born economist, and other non -traditional Brits can make racist statements like this and get away with it. If the shoe were on the other foot and a comment like this was made by a white politician there would be a hue and cry by the supporters of PC for the person to step down and make a formal public apology. There a too many double standards in the UK today. David Miliband if he were to replace Gordon Brown would ensure that those double standards would continue far into the future.

Douglas Cochrane, Halifax,

The nasty racist remark about porridge and haggis is unacceptable. Would Gordon Brown - given that he were capable of such a thing - be able to talk about remarks that resemble cheap curry?

Andrew May, De Panne, Belgium

The Labour Party were saying quite different things about Brown a year ago, and nothing that Lord Desai says is exactly new.
The rats are leaving the sinking ship.

Dave, Slough,

McBroon is the man who sold our gold
At knockdown price or so we're told
Who taxed the poor
And robbed the old
Of pensions fair, then squandered wealth
Mostly gained through acts of stealth
And now we're in this sorry mess
His best solution?
BRITISHNESS!!!
Well - soon 'twil be the first of May
Then time to show him "Scots Whey Hey"
And prove the UK's not gone potty
"She'll not take much more of this Scotty"

Milo, Uckfield, UK

Any participant in Desai's Economics Seminars at the LSE would not be surprised by the sharpness of his tongue, sharper even than his contemptuous intellect.
.Luckily for me all females were totally ignored and therefore not subject to the weekly tongue lashing.
Obviously he hasn't mellowed much 40+ years

Judith Kozloff, London/New York,

As I said before "the rats are really deserting the sinking ship. Why can they not all call it a day and resign? and us all a favour.

M. Cawdery, Portadown, Co. UK, EU.

Yes Richard, we thank God you live in another country as well. I'm sure the Ukraine is lovely this time of year. Oh to be in the Ukraine in Springtime.

Tern, Manchester, Lancs

I agree, but remind me to avoid Desai's barber.
Tony Blair was excellent, pity he had to lie about Iraq. Tony wasnt doing very well in the opinion poles but not half as bad as Gordon Brown is now. If Gordon was any good he would have been elected. He doesent seem to have a clue.
Politics today isnt about 'ism's' its about managing the country competemtly and handling the issues of the day none of which are on any socialist agenda. Gordon Brown just doesent have what it takes.

Dave B, kelso, borders

Given that he says David Miliband was not ready to lead the party when Brown took over, isn't he criticising Tony Blair for leaving when there was no successor? Or is Tony good whatever? Would he be good in the present circumstances? Would he have been without Brown as chancellor? What was the point of Desai's comments - anything constructive?

Diana, derby,

Hampstead drawing room socialist bites angry Scottish man - Its news, but it's not unexpected from a fully paid up member of the chattering classes.
The truly amazing fact is that somebody in a position to influence young minds still thinks that Tony Blair was wonderful. I presume that this Lord now sits and shares his wisdom in the upper house of government.
Thank God I live in another Country.
I think its more hospitals we need, rather than prisons. Places where people like Lord Desai can get the help they obviously need.

.Richard, Kiev, Ukraine

Labour have absolutely nobody in their ranks capable of leading the country. The party is full of idiots with the same failed egalitarian, tax and spend bent. Every time they get into power for more than 1 term they end up ruining the country and it's economy. This time they have gone further and ruined institutions, the constitution and the demography of Britain.

It will take many years to clean up the mess they have left. The sooner Britain can start, the better.

Edwin, Bucharest,

Lord Desai's complaint about Mr Brown as a "worrier with an academic approach" reminds me of Prodi, who emerged from the dark groves of academe, declaring five times in one speech that his approach to industrial policy was not academic.

Lord Desai has a strong belief in divine providence which I doubt would survive a Cameron government.

Chris Gillibrand, Brussels, Belgium