El Mundo claims that one of the previous Vice Presidents, María Teresa Fernández de la Vega Sanz, will have an enlarged role in Mr Zapatero’s new cabinet. I guess this means we’ll be seeing not just one but two photos of her in the press every day. She’s still my bet for Spain’s first women president. Though I’m not staking a lot on this hapening during my lifetime. If she does make it, they’ll have to get bigger name cards for UN meetings and the like. I guess she could marry someone called, say, Bono and then flout Spanish custom by adopting her husband’s name. But, on balance, this is probably unlikely. For one reason and another.

Sign of the times? On a Cheshire road yesterday, there was this warning to drivers about a left turn - No way through. Do not rely on your satnav. Of course, there would be only one way to find out whether unhappy residents alongside a rat run weren't behind this. Bloody good idea, if so.

It’s hardly unexpected but property prices have started to fall quite seriously in Madrid and the national and local governments have begun to feel the pinch from reduced property-transaction taxes. Worse to come, says this Jeremiah.

The Great Heathrow T5 Fiasco: As predicted, yesterday’s tabloid Daily Mail did manage to get the Spanish identity of BAA into its coverage, both in its article and in a leader. But, to be fair, it did seem to regard both BAA and BA as equally culpable. So . . . 1. The problems were not just a humiliation for Spanish-owned BAA but also cast doubt on Britain’s ability to handle major construction programs and to deliver them on time and in one piece. And 2. So, was it the fault of British Airways or should the blame be laid at the door of the Spanish company Ferrovial, which has made such a rotten job of running the British Airways Authority since it took it over two years ago? One thing is for sure - this was a shameful day for Britain’s reputation for competence. Stepping back from the tabloid froth, there was a more measured comment in the Daily Telegraph this morning:- The failure of the baggage system on the opening day of Heathrow's Terminal 5 produced scenes of farce and irritation that hugely embarrassed BAA. "The world's leading airport company", as it describes itself, had predicted that the baggage arrangements would "work perfectly from day one". More than 100 cancelled flights later, this boast has made both BA and BAA look ridiculous. "A national disgrace", fumed politicians, newspapers and (understandably) passengers. That is going too far. There is a difference between a fiasco and a national humiliation. If the British public interprets the T5 farce as the latter, then our self-confidence is too fragile. "We can't get anything right," chorused the callers to radio phone-in shows. But they say that every time anything goes wrong. If, in a week's time, the system is working smoothly, people will forget about the computer glitch. Just as they have in Spain in respect of similar problems with Madrid’s new terminal last year. And just have they have with the much-delayed and over-budget Wembley stadium in London.

As I continue to gain weight as a result of staying, first, with my daughter and, now, with my mother, I’ve realised I’m experiencing the opposite of a Champneys-type break. In other words, I’m staying at an unhealth farm.

Galicia Facts

I’ve posted some views on food in response to Moscow’s comments to yesterday’s blog. These should cost me a few more Gallego readers.