So Charles Clarke, who, carrying on the work of his predecesor Mr Blunkett, has presided over the most illiberal, authoritarian Home Office I can remember, may be brought down to earth by the accidental release of over 1000 hardened criminals. And even worse (or better!) - having taken steps to ensure that foreigners are viewed with nothing other than the utmost suspicion by UK authorities, they were foreign criminals!

Oh, stop it Charles - I don't think my aching sides can take any more!!!

Last song on the iPod: Gioacchino Rossini - Largo Al Factotum (The Barber of Seville)