"Never apologize, never admit mistakes" is a maxim that many politicians seem to regard as necessary to demonstrate that they are firm in pursuit of their policies. They do not recognize that obstinacy is usually a sign of weakness, not strength.

Gordon Brown, the British prime minister, prides himself on his dogged persistence and adherence to the principles on which he was brought up. This son of a Scottish Protestant clergyman finds it difficult to smile naturally, and his jokes, when he manages to use one, are leaden. His initiatives often seem either thought up at the last minute or opportunistic.

Unfortunately his record for choosing advisers is checkered. They have been chosen for their loyalty to him and his policies. Recently a close adviser was shown by the publication of e-mails between him and another party hack to have advocated the circulation of scandalous rumors about members of the opposition.