So, another impressive forecasting failure on my part, this time in predicting a narrow success for the Yes vote in the French EU referendum. Mind you, I can't feel as bad as President Chirac about this; on TV this morning, he had the look of a startled turkey about him. And now we await developments, as both Paris and Brussels struggle with the new problem of a disobedient electorate in a major member. First signs are that President Chirac is pushing Prime Minister Raffarin in the general direction of an upturned sword.

Spain has come late to such everyday irritants as traffic wardens and police radar controls. In fact, I can only recall seeing the former in one city, Valladolid. But as for the latter, well they're cropping up everywhere now, suggesting that the government is at last taking road mortality seriously. Spanish drivers, of course, see no connection between accidents and speed. So I wasn't surprised to receive recently an email file from a friend, containing photos of speed cameras, together with advice on how to both recognise and disable them. The outraged commentary suggested that money would be better spent on making the roads safer. Which, of course, means straighter and more like a racing track. It's as if it's all a game, with one set of players - the drivers - being upset at the other set - the police - for being "ignoble" enough to change the rules without their permission. But, then, ignoring traffic restrictions is a game in Spain. And so it's depressing to learn of another Carlos Alonso victory in the Formula 1 championship yesterday. Fat good it will do him appearing on TV to endorse the message that the roads should not be treated as a race track.

I must get off this subject. I am beginning to bore even myself.