Have people lost their minds? The Olympics are the greatest party that our species has created, and now it's our turn. It's a once-in-a-lifetime privilege.

People seem to think it will cost too much. Compared to what? The war in Iraq. Trident.

They seem to think that it should be somewhere other than London. We tried that before, and the people of the world didn't want to come to Manchester or Birmingham. Given the opportunity of coming to our capital, however, they accepted. I heard a gentleman from Manchester complaining that his taxes would be going to London. I live in London, and I didn't complain when my taxes went to the Manchester Commonwealth Games. If I lived in Hull, Exeter, Dundee or the Isle of Skye, I would be delighted that the Olympics were coming to our country. London is an asset to the whole country, and the country would certainly notice if it's contribution to the wealth of the country were lost, let alone its standing in the world.

The Olympics may end up costing, who knows, £20bn, but the country will make that back, and much more. This carping is a great shame, and wholly misplaced.

I am lucky enough to live close to the Olympic site, and in five years time I will be able to walk down the canal with my two sons...to the Olympic Games. Astonishing. They will be 11 and 9. If I lived in Inverness, I would still be going.