2014 CE

The worst things seem to happen to me in even-numbered years, so I approach midnight with some trepidation. Moving away from the personal, so many signs look good. Admittedly, international clouds have yet to disperse: Syria and Egypt seem to be getting worse, while trouble is flaring again in South Sudan and the Central African Republic. However, the UK employment figures are heading in the right direction, although a rise in incomes at the lower end is long overdue. The party has passed its lowest point in terms of membership and there are signs that clear gold water between the Liberal Democrats and their coalition partners is becoming evident to the public.

So here's hoping for a good 2014. We must brace ourselves for media overkill on the centenary of the Great War, but also hope that celebrations of Dylan Thomas do him proud.