How to draw attention away from yourself - Stand next to a bigger idiot

The Italian PM has had some rather unflattering attention in the area of the trouser snake of late but I think he has come up with a successful strategy in the form of the aging Col. Gaddafi.

Trouble with the "better half" has caused an unwelcome focus on some of young Silvio's appointments to positions in politics that would normally go to politically experienced folk. Instead they seem to be going to young attractive female candidates with little or no experience.

How do you get yourself out of the spotlight? Why, stand next to someone even more bizarre.

Sound the bugle. Col. Gaddafi has come to the rescue.

The context for the big break was Italy apologising for their occupation of Libya from 1911 to 1943 and handing over some US$5bn by way of compensation. Tied into the deal was Oil and Gas privileges and full access for Italian patrol boats to Libyan waters.

The payoff was the bizarre behavior of Gaddafi. The 200 strong all female body guard, and 50 limos carrying these folk around which grid locked traffic around Rome. He pitched his Bedouin tent in Central Park which was responded to with "No camping" signs being erected by protesters.

Even more bizarre was Gaddafi pinned a photo to his chest of a Libyan guerrilla being captured by Italian troops. The Left wing pollies responded with a photo of a Lockerbie victim to remind folk of the colonel's part in the tragic bombing that Libya ended up paying reparations for.

Meantime young Silvio has taken a break from the front pages, no doubt considering it was $5bn well spent. I can just imagine how annoyed the families and friends of the Lockerbie bombing are feeling right now.