Well, Mr Relations could help but laugh at the week Gordon's had. Whilst Obama has been sworn in (and sworn in again, for good measure) things have not been so good on this side of the pond.
Let's first start with some context. David Miliband decided it'd be a great week to visit India. Now, whilst he was out there he said a few things which, as Indian news agencies were quick to note, have caused offence.
David's comments on Kashmir came at a time of heightened tensions in India, an issue the Indian's themselves regard to be internal. It perhaps wasn't the wisest of things to do, especially considering the fact that, if reports are to be believed, the Indian PM is now ignoring British diplomatic moves.
So, in comes the Minister for Dark Arts, Peter Mandelson. He's believed to have been sorting out the 'work' of the boy-wonder and if reports from Guido et al are to be believed he isn't making much headway.
So, Pete's away for a week and what happens? The shit hits the fan, that's what. First - there's a monumental cock-up over MPs expenses. Initially it appeared, from Downing Street, that it'd be a whipped issue. Now, this appears to have changed over the course of PMQs to a free vote. Harriet Harman is being blamed for this balls up.
Incidentally, seeing Margaret Beckett attempt to explain this whole situation is well-worth a catch-up.
Then, remember those deputy leadership campaigns? Ahh, Mr Relations fondly remembers seeing Alan Johnston pipped to the post and that awfully arkward moment of Harriet and Gordon standing on the same platform.
Well, as I write more news is emerging but, in essense, both Jack Straw and Peter Hain have been found to be corrupt (for want of a better word) in their dealings, nominally not declaring donations which should have been.
Oops.
So, all in all, it's not been a good week. Chin up.
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