In fact, Ed Miliband's position on executive mayors became even more isolated even closer to home.

BBC: Elected mayors: Ed Miliband's little local difficulty

Given its isolated location, Hawaii is in a particularly precarious position.

FORBES: Hawaii: Our Very Own Island Nation, Battling Climate Change Via Innovation

Isolated as he is, Dr Fox's position is nevertheless bolstered by several factors, and not only the lack of evidence that he was guilty of the leaks.

ECONOMIST: The defence secretary

But it seemed clear that Iceland, already isolated by the financial-system collapse, would remain in a tenuous position.

WSJ: Icelanders Reject Deal to Repay U.K., Netherlands