Clarke lost and found

Date: 26/09/1996

And it came to pass that there was a gathering of EU finance ministers assembled in the courtyard of Dublin Castle for the ritual family photograph after their informal meeting.

And one minister spake, saying: “Where on earth is Kenneth Clarke, Britain's finance minister?” For verily Clarke was absent, engaged in a radio interview to which he did attach great importance. And the others were forced to wait for much time.

And after much time, a ministerial Jaguar screeched round the corner, depositing the late Clarke, upon whose arrival the others did all cheer and applaud and tell the British finance minister, whose country is much riven over joining a single currency: “Better late than never.”

Here endeth an appropriate lesson.