We've heard it from the Denial Duo, Dawkins and Hitchens - they're out to huckle the Pope when he comes to visit. Think of the headlines ; 'Benedict in Belmarsh'. Bad enough the media are filled with the Tiresome Two ; the distaff side has joined in. The Thunderer's Purves has chipped in with her slant on the growing Papal imbroglio, while Gledhill agonises about wearing a cross, forgetting perhaps that there is no cross without Christ and no Christ without a cross.

It is hard to tell where all this furor and furore will end. What it will succeed in doing is compromising such a visit if in fact it takes place.