This is without doubt a piss poor government.

Not content with continuing to send troops to fight an unwinnable war in Afghanistan merely because it can't figure a way out without upsetting the Yanks, the Brown brigade are now hiding behind the apron strings of victims of IRA terrorism.

It would appear that Mr Brown feels the best way to approach Gaddafi for belated compensation, for supplying the IRA with explosives is by standing at the back of the mass of victims actively seeking recompense for having their lives destroyed, and shouting words of encouragement.

Surely the leader of this country is supposed to lead from the front? I suspect that, in a nutshell, is exactly where the problem lies.