Talleyrand, the great French diplomat before, during and after Napoleonic times, was a devious sod. So much so that, when he died, Metternich - the Austrian Chancellor and an equally devious sod - is alleged to have asked what Talleyrand meant by that.
I hesitate to mention Jack McConnell in the same breath as either Talleyrand or Metternich but, when the First Minister says he will not support England in the World Cup, I am tempted to wonder what he meant by saying so. Was he just having a poke at Gordon Brown and Douglas Alexander, both of whom have already exhibited their pro-English allegiance? Or was he attempting to steal the nationalists' clothes in a foretaste of his tactics in next year's general election? It would be disingenuous to believe that he was simply telling the truth.
Would it be too cynical to suspect that, if he thought it would be to his advantage, the First Minister would cheerfully admit to supporting England - whatever position he takes in private?
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In the matter of sports psychology, I wonder whether it would be advantageous for a team to learn that it had the support of the First Meenister. I have searched the BBC website, and have found no comment on the matter from Mr Sven Goran Eriksson or Mr David Beckham. It is almost as if the England team is unconcerned by the attitudes of our elected officials.
I suppose that the answer is to look at the Commonwealth Games where the FM's presence in Australia was undoubtedly the reason for Scotland's success. But did Posh'n'Becks invite Mr McConnell to their party last weekend? Little wonder he is supporting Trinidad and Tobago.
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