Political Silly Season

So the political silly season is upon us with the government off on holiday leaving 81 year old Mário Soares as the distraction. It is ludicrous for the Socialists to put him forward as a candidate for a third presidential term. Even Soares can't stand up to Cavaco Silva if he chooses to run, which he probably will once autumn polls confirm his lead.

The problem is finding a Socialist candidate prepared to accept certain defeat. My choice would be António Vitorino, for a credible contest. At least he made a good showing in Brussels. Soares in Strasbourg is hardly headline news. Give him a dignified retirement and save us the embarrassment of watching a tired campaign by one of Portuguese democracy's founding fathers.