El País today has a laudatory article on the EU’s recent condemnation of property abuse and coastal despoliation in Spain. Given that the paper is the mouthpiece of the socialist government, it was good to see the even-handed comment that the ‘pillage’ has been massive in both PP-controlled Valencia and PSOE-controlled Andalucia.

Walking into town this morning, I passed another closed-down bank branch. Things appear to be every bit as bad as this detailed analysis from Edward Hugh suggests. If this doesn’t depress you enough, you’ll be relieved to know Edward plans to review the "extent to which Spain is sliding uncontrollably towards a series of harsh budget cuts like those recently forced on another former eurozone high-flyer, Ireland.”. This should be fun.

My own theme of the moment is petty street crime in Madrid and Barcelona. Here’s Trevor’s take from the latter city. I notice today that the double-entry procedure for PIN numbers has arrived in Pontevedra, in some branches at least. Final comment on this subject . . . My Madrid friend and fellow thief-chaser, Pablo, says that, if you want to get a good idea of what goes on, stand at the traffic lights at Plaza de Sol and watch how the crowds are worked. Having first sown up all your own pockets, of course.

The Spanish government has announced an intention to allow the morning-after pill to be available in pharmacies without a prescription. Things being what they are in Spain these days, I wonder if there’ll be a separate counter on Saturday mornings so that those of us wanting other items won’t have to wait for ages in a long queue.

Thank God I’ve decided to consider a career as a Euro Deputy rather than as a British MP. The EU Commission has, I believe, made it a criminal offence to publish any details of the expense claims of the former. Which is as it should be when it comes to gravy trains. Otherwise they simply can’t function as intended.

Sorry but I laughed out loud at the news that ‘celebrities’ Katie Price and Peter Andre are to separate. Why? Because at least one British TV channel seems to consist of little but programs about their happy marriage and spectacular careers.

Then I cried that not only was this news carried on the first page of serious UK newspapers but also that I read it.

And finally I threw a shoe at the TV when Sky News said they were going to give us the benefit of singer Lilly Allen‘s views on the latest political developments in the UK.

It’s hard to keep smiling sometimes.