As the recent elections in Chechnya and St Petersburg illustrated so graphically, he has intimidated or bought his way towards ensuring that his preferred candidates emerge as winners of any vote.

ECONOMIST: Russia

Using the iPhones is a cost effective way of ensuring that students have the text books they need "at any time of day or night, wherever they are working", says the university.

BBC: University gives students text books on iPhones

At his departmental question session on 2 February 2010, he insisted that ensuring banks engaged in any risky trading had adequate capital was a more appropriate way of maintaining financial stability.

BBC: Treasury questions