Cowardly, like a fox

First, let's remember where we are right now. Any general election is at least two years away, and Brown is under fire from all corners, rightfully so. The embarrassments have piled one on the other since the Tory conference all the way back in September, with Donorgate, Discgate, so many bloody "gates" Westmonster is worried about getting through the security queue on time so as not to miss our flight. Things are so low, we're hearing whispers about Gordon getting kneecapped, just six months into his leadership. One might think it couldn't get worse for him, and one might be wrong, but things are certainly Not Good for Brown and/or Labour at present.

Now, enter the question of the EU Treaty. Hardly a surprise that the Tories are piling on at Gordon's refusal to sign before the cameras — the Tories try to make political hay out of Europe roughly every two years, and in this case if Westmonster were William Hague, we'd be doing the same. But the Gord remained steadfast in his refusal of this photo opportunity — if Westmonster were Ed Balls, we'd have counselled the same.

In the current landscape, this supposed act of cowardice is merely a drop in the bucket. In a week's time, Westmonster suspects we'll all have moved on to the next "gate." But come the general election in a couple of years, there may be plenty of rope to hang Brown with — but the Daily Mail won't have a photo of Brown and Sarko with pens in hand.

Say what you will about Gordon, but in this instance, Westmonster reckons he's made a pretty smart move.