Tonight I will strive to stay off Religion, Politics and Business.

When Banco Santander bought a British bank I wondered out loud here whether they'd display the standard Spanish approach to client service and, if so, how well they'd do. From time to time since then, I've read that Santander were consistently the leader of the pack when it came to complaints to the banking ombudsman. Against that, though, they seemed to be having some success in gaining new clients through aggressive and effective ad campaigns. Today, though, comes an article in The Times which is decidedly critical of Santander. Perhaps it's a riposte to the anti-British slogans being bandied about here by striking Iberia personnel, but I rather doubt this. Anyway, here's part of the article. Despite Rupert Murdoch's paywall, you may be able to read the whole thing here:- Ana Botín has emerged from the sordid scandals that have engulfed the UK’s banks with a reputation largely unscathed. Past and former bosses of the other big high street banks barely need to open their mouths to have the nation spluttering in anger. But Ms Botín, the 52-year-old head of Santander UK, has had an easy ride, brushing off more muted criticism with an unruffled ease. Her charm, though, is wearing thin. Surely, this is the worst bank in Britain in terms of customer service, and it seems odd that Ms Botín, part of the Spanish family dynasty that controls Santander, is not taking the rap. Letters and e-mails that have winged in to Times Money’s Troubleshooter column since she took the helm in December 2010 speak of a bank focused on sales targets, not service. A workplace where the pressure is to sell, sell, sell. A bank that fobs off and frustrates customers with genuine complaints. When it does own up to wrongdoing, it is the frontline staff who get roasted while those at the top are cushioned from blame. . . . This week we learnt that the bank is facing a fine after giving misleading investment advice. Five other banks and building societies were caught out in the regulator’s mystery shopping exercise, but it appears that only Santander’s advice was so bad that it now faces sanctions. . . . When challenged, Ms Botín says she wants to make “every single customer happy”. Sometimes this is translated into action: Santander has made moves to ensure its incentive scheme for staff is made more customer friendly. But her language too often suggests complacency at best, an arrogant disregard at worst. Which, in truth, is a comment that could be made of many Spanish politicians as well. Plus their businessmen friends.

Talking of which . . . This week Spain is witnessing its second largest company bankruptcy ever. Like the first, it's a property company – Reyal Urbis. Who can say with confidence there won't be more?

But it's not only politicians and businessmen who can get away with murder. A Catholic Cardinal who covered up child abuse cases in the USA is not only still in his job but will, he says, be taking a trip to Rome to vote in the imminent Papal ballot. I'm guessing his own odds will be long. And being white won't help.

Which reminds me . . . The man who's accused of stealing valuables and money from the Cathedral of Santiago over a period of 20 years has said he'll be describing the out-of-hours things that used to take place within its hallowed walls. Including the sex. Will the case proceed, I wonder?

Finally, but still with Spanish businessman . . . Javier Rigau, 51, is being sued by Gina Lollobrigida(85?) for fraud. She asserts he faked their marriage in an attempt to steal her €40m fortune after her death. Strangely, though, there seems to be evidence that she was complicit, even though the wedding took place in Barcelona, with a friend standing in for her.

Well, that wasn't too hard, was it?