But having spent lots of time around politicians and their officials, I know the vast majority aren't particularly clever. Many also hope that one day, in their dotage, the call will come and they too will get to sit in a City boardroom, pretending to understand what's going on, hawking a few "high-level contacts" in return for a nice fat wad. If Tony Blair can do it, why can't they? As long as the money men are kept onside.