Spanish politicians of both the government and the opposition are regularly assessed for their popularity ratings and rankings with the public. As with other things here - such as the marks for the university entrance exam - these are expressed out of ten, not as percentages. So, for example, President Zapatero might rate 5.1 and the Leader of the Opposition 4.8. Or vice versa this week. And each of these may be more or less effective (or popular) than their colleagues. These comments have been prompted by a photo of Gordon Brown with Peter Mandelson at his shoulder. Despite the fact the latter has twice had to leave the government in disgrace, he’s now back as the most powerful member of Brown’s entourage. Given that, thanks to his skills in the black arts of political spin, he’s widely known as The Prince of Darkness, this says quite a lot about Gordon Brown’s situation. Anyway, it would be interesting to see what marks each of them would get from the British public under the Spanish system. Even though it’s not possible to get a negative number. Theoretically, at least.

If you’re interested in knowing how corrupt Spain is, the University of Essex has pronounced on the subject. I can’t find their actual document but here’s a press report. In line with my own perception, the main conclusion seems to be that Spain is ‘relatively corrupt’ but that corruption is not so much widespread as very deep in certain spheres. Town halls and the construction industry, for example. And now more than ever, if a snapshot of last year is still relevant, after the collapse of said sector.

Here in Galicia, our weather is, shall we say, variable. We had unseasonable sun for long periods in February and March and my younger daughter and her friends recently enjoyed a great week of temperatures in the 30s here. But the Atlantic is again showing us who’s boss by smothering us with its blanket of cloud and rain. It was miserable again today – for the 6th day in succession and - and I’m now wondering whether the charity cricket match I’m due to play in on Saturday will be possible. The good news is that the sun is forecast to return on Friday and to linger for Saturday, before heading off for another holiday, warming d*****s down in Timbuktu, as they used to sing. Actually, I’ve just googled this and found that the word originally used was even less acceptable than the one I thought it was. Apparently it’s ‘roasting peanuts’ now. The things you learn here!

Hell! Just when I leave my notes at home and so have to write a post – yesterday’s - off the top of my head in a wifi café, I get more than 200 hits. I don’t suppose many of the new ones will return. Unless they’re interested in head gasket problems with the Rover K series engine.