David Trimble – the minister who is first to run away from reality

PREPARING for a war in Iraq that most of the world does not want should be more than enough to occupy Tony Blair’s mind, without having to put up with David Trimble’s petulance.

The British prime minister could have spent time with far more engaging people such as Igor Ivanov, the Russian Foreign Minister, or with Queen Elizabeth at their regular weekly meeting which had to be cancelled so that Mr Blair could attend the Hillsborough talks along with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

The queen could have done with a friendly shoulder to cry on, too, after getting the news that her favourite dressmaker, Hardy Amies, had made his final stitch in time and treaded his way off this mortal coil.