Cameron says Brown is not the right man to lead IMF
DAVID Cameron effectively ended Gordon Brown’s hopes of leading the IMF yesterday after a scathing attack on his economic record.
The Prime Minister said: “It does seem to me that if you have someone who didn’t think we had a debt problem in the UK, when we self-evidently do have a debt problem, then they might not be the most appropriate person to work out whether other countries around the world have debt and deficit problems.”
Under current rules the EU proposes the IMF’s managing director, giving Cameron the right to veto a candidate. He said the next IMF boss should probably come from outside the EU, adding it should be someone who “understands the dangers of excessive debt”.
In a further swipe at Brown he said the candidate should not be a “washed up politician”.
Although Brown has not officially stated his intention to apply for the post, which may soon be vacant if the incumbent Dominique Strauss Kahn steps down as expected, his recent speeches suggest he is gearing up for a role in international finance, and he has close ties with the IMF.
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