& the wee north.
Tony Blair proved he was still alive yesterday to the wider international community against very well placed sources with not inconsiderable influence who let it be believed he had been hung from a lamp-post.
He met the premier of the neighbouring state, Mr Bartholomew Patrick Ahern Taoiseach of Ireland Supreme Rascal and ex president of the European Union.
Mr Ahern has not given anyone any cause to believe the rumours that Blair has been intefered with or intimidated in any way.
During these moments of what appear to be dire crises for the english democratic system, as the ancient civil war factions line up against each other daily, the jolly pratter for which Ahern is famed must have come as a welcome but short relief.
the Taoiseach has neither confirmed nor denied that this truly is the moment for Irish boys and girls to take advantage of the obvious instability in the English homelands and offer family tourist discount passes on the LUAS.
if you go to the link you can read the French leftwing press and refute me, if not you can't read french but you'll like the photo of Putin anyway.