It was reported today that 90% of Spaniards have mobile phones, though I suppose this really means Spaniards above a certain age. Say, 8. Of course, this finding would neither surprise nor interest many people. What we'd really like to know is what percentage of the populace have phones super-glued to their ears. Or navigate roundabouts or blind corners while using them.

There aren't many traffic jams in Pontevedra midday on Sundays but I found myself in one yesterday. It was five minutes before I and a couple of other drivers realised it was being caused by someone who had decided to stop to watch a building being demolished but couldn't be bothered to park. We were not happy.

At the local leisure centre yesterday, my daughter was asked for her identity card and date of birth before she could play on the squash court. These were – slowly – entered into the computer and she was instructed to quote all this information whenever she phoned in future to book a court. My God, it’s simpler to get into the House of Commons, with or without a bomb. This obsession with proving who you are in the most pointless of situations is what awaits UK citizens if an identity card is ever introduced there, either through the front door or the back door.