It has now been over three months since David Beckham shocked the world of football by announcing his decision to move from Madrid to the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer. In doing so he has accepted the richest contract in the history of the sport. The general reaction has been skeptical at best, most commentators accusing the former England captain of effectively accepting early retirement and a pile of cash to showboat in an inferior league whilst enjoying the Hollywood lifestyle. One can only assume that Posh didn't raise too many complaints.

The Liberal Party leadership convention in Montreal last December began as a typical political affair - 5000 delegates, endless mumbling into mobile phones, clandestine handshakes and pledges of support.