Boris Johnson and the U.S. quarterback

Back in the 1980s a Senate seat was opening up in the U.S. state of Texas. Of the names bandied around at the time for Republican candidate (and likely winner) was one Roger Staubach, the retired quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys. Problem was, nobody was sure whether a) he was interested b) he could think about anything other than throwing a football or c) that he was even Republican. In the event, he did not run, answering at least questions a) and b).

The issue, of course, was that Staubach was a name, and in a political system which rewards fame rather than achievement he was the first on many Texan lips. But being famous does not automatically mean you are politically capable (see many, many examples in U.S. Congress).

Parliamentary democracies, which choose leaders from a pack of legislators, tend to have avoided this problem. Hard to imagine someone as unphotogenic and dour as Gordon Brown being elected to anything much in America, for example. But few would deny that he has the intellect and ability needed in a politician whether you agree with him or not.

Britain however has done its usual and adopted one of the worst aspects of U.S. culture (eschewing a lot of the good stuff). London has a directly elected mayor and it is fast becoming a celebrity contest. Boris Johnson, the current incumbent, has many things going for him -- intellect, wit, a comic touch and charisma that is not always to every one's taste. But does becoming famous for bumbling about, making gaffes, dropping the odd Latin phrase into conversations, and appearing on quiz show, make him qualified as chief executive of one of the world's greatest cities. Clearly, no.

The Evening Standard newspaper recently reported that Alan Sugar, a business man currently made super-celeb by hosting The Apprentice on UK television, is a name being bandied about to run for London mayor next time.

Here we go. How long will it be before Tories/Labour/LibDem backroom strategists reckon David Beckham, Jordan, or JK Rowling have just what it takes to win?

It won't happen, but London should go back to picking its mayor from among the relative nonentities that make up its council. Enough with I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Elected