Smoked out

At last, a sign that the leadership of the Fire Brigades Union is not completely bereft of political judgement. The leader of the FBU, Andy Gilchrist, announced yesterday that the next eight-day action will now be suspended. "Talking will begin this week, not striking," declared Mr Gilchrist. It was just about the first sensible comment he has made during this unnecessary dispute.

Whatever agreement the FBU eventually reaches with its local authority employers, things will never be the same again for the firefighters. In striking they overplayed a strong hand, drew attention to some indefensible restrictive practices and lost public support. Proud, decent people, the firefighters have been ill served by Mr Gilchrist's militancy.