In the long run this may prove a boon for American firms, which have far more freedomto choose which workers to dismiss than their European counterparts.
The canny media magnate was immediately accused of courting extreme right-wing support for his proposed new People of Freedom party coalition in the run-up to the election on 24-25 February.
The new payments system was used in 2004-05 for both elective and emergency admissions to foundation hospitals, a select group that have won more freedomtorun their affairs.