The party's opposition to gay marriage not only makes them look mean-spirited.

ECONOMIST: The Republicans could learn a lot from the Democrats

The party remains in the governing coalition despite its spirited attacks on the vice-president and the finance minister, and its support of an investigation of the president's Democrat Party, which have been accused of embezzling government funds.

ECONOMIST: Face value

That can only be done by changing perceptions of the party's motives above all, the belief that Tories are mean-spirited and selfish.

ECONOMIST: Bagehot

He said public-spirited citizens can be dissuaded from politics if they are first required to make donations to party bosses, diminishing the pool of top candidates.

WSJ: Cuomo says overhaul of NY ethics needed _ again