Enough of a common mind-set remains that when Rudolph Giuliani (another pro-choice Catholic politician) last year denounced a painting of the Virgin incorporating elephant dung, his approval rating jumped from 60% to 80% among white Catholics.

ECONOMIST: New York��s Catholics

For many listeners French music means Debussy and Ravel, and their enormous popularity in recent years, something Mr Kenyon equates with the public's thirst for French impressionist painting, is reflected in concert promoters' and record producers' choice of repertory.

ECONOMIST: The London Proms

"It means painting a picture of a better, more dynamic society and offering Scotland a radical and inspirational choice about our future, " he said.

BBC: Salmond outlines government plans