So he hopes the irrepressible Mr Cohn-Bendit, by launching the Greens' campaign so early, will burn himself out.

ECONOMIST: Daniel Cohn-Bendit, Europe��s provocative Green

That said, I have spoken to big investors, who tell me that they were generally impressed with his performance before he was forced to bow out - and would be happy to have him back, so long as he works in a way that doesn't burn himself out.

BBC: Lloyds' exhausted boss wants to return

The first minister told him to get himself straightened out before asking to burn quangos and protect them at the same time.

BBC: No war on England, the First Minister declared this week.