Politicians, politicians, politicians

So we started the day with a politician Shimon Peres, who at least spoke english (though I suppose Hebrew wouldn't have been too much use in this hall). We've just had a French presidential candidate blathering on (and incredibly he was joined on stage by a famous French journalist). And we're promised this afternoon another French presidential candidate (who will no doubt be joined on stage by whoever happens to be passing). I don't know how much rumbling of discontent there's been - but frankly I didn't pay my conference fee to be pitched by politicians. I think the organisers should put their egos away and resist the blandishments of all politicians and let us get on with our navel gazing.