But today's Tories are worried that many of the professional classes whose votes they want doctors and teachers, above all have come to abominate them.

ECONOMIST: Thatcherism RIP?

Significantly, Mr Bush (like Elizabeth Dole, another rival) has refused to endorse harsh measures against abortion or to abominate all gun control, articles of faith for many Republican activists.

ECONOMIST: Out of the dark, Republican glimmers

All ministries have been ordered to submit most of their discretionary spending to the finance and planning ministers for approval, the sort of thing the president used to abominate when he was a fiery left-wing opposition leader.

ECONOMIST: A good start for Lula