Barack Obama is on holiday. Yes that’s right, even the POTUS manages to get away for a few days of sun every now and then.

For those that care, it has been reported that in the space of a few days Obama has been surfing and hiking as well as singing carols and has even managed to sneak in a visit to U.S troops at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

But as with every holiday of a world leader there has been criticism of its length and timing not to mention cost to the taxpayer. Critics waste no time in highlighting the contrast between Obama’s holiday sunshine and the weather he has left behind: reported tornadoes in the Deep South have left thousands without power and two dead. There is also the issue of the cost of security, estimated as over $1m and the use of Air Force One as the transport to his holiday destination.

The truth is it will be never be a good time for Obama to take a vacation. Domestically and internationally there will always be one crisis or another needing attention. But to expect Obama to leave at the drop of a hat would be unfair. The fact he is still visiting US troops and conducting conference calls is more than most of us would want to work during our winter break.

But have your say and take the poll!