I could not help but be impressed by the zeal shown by our Government in finding a way to nullify the Court of Final Appeal's decision on right of abode. If only pollution and traffic problems got the same urgent treatment.
This haste is especially striking given that no one has a clue on how many children of Hong Kong people would really take up residency here, or what the economic and social effects would be.
Let us hope no one misinterprets this eagerness as, say, an attempt to establish a mechanism by which the executive can overturn 'final' court decisions it doesn't like.
It would be unfortunate if overseas investors and others inadvertently got the impression that the Government, which has already reduced the powers of the legislature, is seizing the opportunity to install a politically subservient court system.
Obviously, nothing would be further from our Government's mind - but a calmer, more considered approach might allay nasty suspicions.
DOMINIC QUINNELL Central
