Editorial

The apparent euphoria by the Olympic Delivery Authority in a ceremony to mark the installation of the first seats in the 2012 Olympic stadium is not being reflected across London, at time when the government has warned of cuts of up to 40% in the public sector, Londoners are more concerned about their jobs than the Olympics.

The 2012 Olympics will be held at the peak of the public sector cuts in the capital, and there will be anger at the costs and justification for hosting the event in London, at a time when "essential" public sector spending is being decimated.

Jacques Rogge, International Olympic Committee President, said: “The Olympic Stadium is the centrepiece of the Games because it is where, during the Opening Ceremony, the athletes and spectators’ Olympic dreams become reality and it is also where the Games come to an end as the flame is extinguished after 16 days of exciting competition.

“Having helped to put the 2012th seat in place, I can now picture what spectators and athletes lucky enough to be here on 27 July 2012 will experience and I am sure that they will be impressed.

The only consolation for London is that the Olympics may "pull" more tourists in before and after the 2012 games, helping boost the coffers of retailers and the London economy generally.  
 
Sebastian Coe, London 2012 Chairman, said: “In just over two years time, the eyes of the world will be on the Olympic Stadium. 80,000 Olympic and Paralympics fans will be there, watching athletes fulfil their dreams, and I'm honoured to be joining President Rogge to install the 2012th seat today.

David Higgins, Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) said: “Over the last two years, the Olympic Stadium has risen from the ground and changed the skyline of east London.  

“The start of the seat installation clearly demonstrates the strong progress we have made in creating the venue that will be at the heart of the action in 2012. With the finishing line in sight, we remain on track to complete construction of the Stadium next summer.”  
 
If the Government does go ahead with the proposed cuts to schools, police, hospitals whilst spending over £10 billion in public money for a fortnight of sport during 2012, this will be very tough for the government, if there is no "Olympic bounce".

photo credit: Jacques Rogge IOC chief with Seb Coe laying seats ODA press office