" Britain's Financial Times said his selection of vice president raised serious questions about John McCain's judgment and added: "The Palin appointment is yet more proof of the way that abortion still dominates American politics.

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He added that Bishop Welby's appointment would show the Church of England was "thinking outside the box, which is exactly what is needed, and it would be a breath of fresh air for the Anglican Communion".

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"Commissioners cannot be a member of a political party, and cannot, by law, have been an office holder or employee of a political party, or held elective office, for a period of 10 years prior to their appointment, " it added.

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He added that the panel, which approved the appointment, has now explored these issues.

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Mr Lamb added that he had been working since his appointment "to ensure we set the right policy to protect very vulnerable individuals".

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Clegg added the club hope to make a new appointment in the coming days, but said it was unlikely anything would happen before Sunday's game.

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Dorrian added that, with the Imps currently 22nd in League Two, a quick appointment would give the new manager plenty of time to turn things around at Sincil Bank.

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So blatant was the lack of consultation over all of these actions that even the assembly's chairman, Luis Miquilena, was moved to acknowledge that the appointment of the committee was probably a mistake (though, he swiftly added, one that could not be rectified).

ECONOMIST: Venezuela