Interesting thing there Teribus. The truth can sometimes get in the way of views.

In fact, as the chief marketing tool of UK PLC, it is far more cost effective than any marketing tool that actually costs money... People rattle on about the tourism they pull in as if that is is insignificant, and you know in one way, it is. It is insignificant in terms of the jobs and GDP we get on the back of having them. I used to unashamedly have the Union Jack on our marketing, product leaflets etc for our industrial goods. Considering I find the flying of the flag outside your home to be repugnant, that takes some explaining.

It is because Buy British used to work, and to an extent still does, in emerging markets, especially around the Pacific Rim. I doubt that would be the case if we had an elected president. With all respect, how many crowds would the Irish President draw in Japan or South Korea? Come to think of it, in Dublin?

Mind you, luckily, we were spared having Prince Andrew manning our stand at trade fairs, possibly because we didn't sell arms......

It is easy to be a Republican when you become conditioned to hate everybody above (and below) you in the food chain. That's the problem this country is facing worse than most others. It isn't always nice to go down the pub these days... Egalitarian used to be a noble state to aspire to, but now it just means dumbing down and pretending to celebrate diversity so long as those you celebrate are people who you like to think look up to you.

I'm off to my counting house now to count my money. if you need me, bugger off.