"Our goal is to fund projects of all sizes as quickly as possible, " she says.

FORBES: Energy

Another concern for Prof Richardson was a possible increase of political influence on the choice of research projects.

BBC: St Andrews University

"Every application has been carefully assessed to ensure that the highest possible proportion of the budget can be used to deliver projects in local communities rather than being spent on administrative costs, " Mr Sargeant added.

BBC: Local Government Minister Carl Sargeant

Hinting at further growth-related announcements in the coming weeks, he said delivering infrastructure projects as quickly as possible was one way of making a difference right now.

BBC: Clegg warns that economic situation is deteriorating

The traditional work of a politician is to win office by meeting all the people he or she can, and then to retain office by funneling pork-barrel projects toward home while attending as many weddings and funerals of constituents as possible.

CNN: Not so Fresh Polls

He would have endorsed any regime or client that made it possible to carry out artistically ambitious projects on a monumental scale for a vision unhampered by restrictions of money, existing conditions or social concerns.

WSJ: Philip Johnson: Short of Attention Span, Long on Aesthetics

Developers are putting the brakes on new projects, cutting deals with tenants to keep space occupied and, if possible, extending the terms of their existing debt when it comes due.

WSJ: Malls, Offices May Slump Less Steeply Than Homes