Darling Gets Austrian Offer He Can Refuse

As vice-chancellor of Austria and the cabinet minister for technology and transport, Hubert Gorbach grew fond of hobnobbing around the world.

But having been out of office and out of work since the start of the year the far-right accomplice of Jörg Haider is kicking his heels in an Alpine village while pondering a fresh start.

What's an unemployed politician to do at the age of 51? In Mr Gorbach's case, dust down the official ministerial notepaper, exploit his formidable English language skills, and drop a letter to Britain's chancellor of the exchequer, Alistair Darling, sounding like someone from Boys From the Black stuff asking "gizza job".

"Dear Alistar [sic]", the letter opens, on franked notepaper bearing the Austrian eagle and the outdated heading Hubert Gorbach, Republic of Austria, Vice-Chancellor, Federal Minister for Transport, Innovation and Technology. Writing from his native Alpine province, Mr Gorbach laments that "the world in Vorarlberg is too small" for his talents.

"I considered starting my own business in consulting and lobbying ... that's why I apply to you, my long-time friend ... if you know about any area of operation for myself, where I am able to intend all my experiences and my know-how, please let me know. I am available any time."

According to the Viennese media yesterday, the job application was forwarded to Mr Darling via the Austrian embassy in London. The unauthorized use of the government notepaper could carry a fine of several thousand euros. But Mr Gorbach seemed unworried. Everybody does it, he said yesterday.

Besides, the job applicant had other priorities. "The most important thing for me," he told Mr Darling, "is that our good contacts will be upright furthermore."