Trouble comes in threes?

With a dismal Comres poll in today's Independent, Gordon Brown can only hope that trouble comes in threes. Peter Watt's speedy resignation may reduce the usual feeding frenzy that accompanies these funding stories - only made possible, of course, by the government's own legislation - and the Virgin takeover of Northern Rock offers a breathing space. A mixture of clear direction and a delivery in the economy and public services is now vital to recovery. None of the three problems of the last week is fatal like Black Wednesday, however wishfully the Tories think. But we can't afford much more like them. Gordon needs to come out stronger from today's press conference and tomorrow's PMQs.