HERE at The Diary we don't often dabble in politics.

But the findings of a recent survey have forced a bit of a U-turn.

It would seem Gordon Brown is no friend to motorists, if the results of a recent online poll are anything to go by.

Both the would-be Labour leader and the M4 bus lane are ranked among the ten worst things to have afflicted the British motorists in the last ten years.

The Chancellor was joined in the motoring sin-bin' by congestion charging, inflated petrol prices and mechanic's labour rates - all of which contribute to the recent hikes in motoring costs which have left Britain's driver seething.

Unsurprisingly, the latest speed cameras, together with Labour's planned vehicle tracking and road pricing policy, also took their rightful places in the motoring doldrums, according to the poll conducted by New Car Net.

Modern driver aids, such as satellite navigation, parking sensors and speed camera detectors were among the most welcomed innovations.

The Bugatti Veyron was picked out as the most popular car of the past ten years, while Rover's CityRover was voted the worst overall package.

Joining Gordon Brown in the list of ten worst things are traffic wardens working to targets and spiralling petrol prices.

Choc tactics

SPARE a thought for our furry friends this Easter when you are settling down with a cup of tea and a chunk of Easter egg.

Pet lovers will be used to those big begging brown eyes which melt the heart and urge the passing on of calorie-laded titbits. However, veterinary charity PDSA warns against the consequences of feeding chocolate to your pet - and they are not just talking about ruining your dog's New Year's resolution to eat healthily, kick the doggie-drops and run round the field a bit more.

Your pet may love a bit of chocolate, but such a treat can be potentially dangerous. Chocolate poisoning in dogs can last for as long as 72 hours. The symptoms include hyperactivity: anyone round here fancy a very, very long walk?

The message is clear: be selfish with your Easter chocolate. Take inspiration from Dawn French in those Terry's Chocolate Orange adverts, and utter the familiar slogan in its new re-branded form: "It's not Fido's, it's mine! So keep your paws off."

Eating all the chocolate yourself may be a burden, but at least your dog won't be dragging its stomach along the pavement. Then again, your own stomach could be another matter altogether.