Each side may simply be feigning sweet reason, while nursing a secret hope that the other side will oblige by sabotaging any real progress.

ECONOMIST: After years of stale rows, the island needs fresh air

It probably talks to a secret hope or fear that the story was true but there were also elements of the story that have been played out many times in sport.

FORBES: Did USA Experience Play A Part In The Qatar Dream Football League Hoax?

The 11 countries adopting it next January make no secret of their hope that it will quickly rival the dollar.

ECONOMIST: That awkward relationship

The Noes on the other hand hope that their secret weapon could be Geri Halliwell, the singer and former Spice Girl.

ECONOMIST: Culture wars on Europe

The campaigner said he had taken the secret camera along to the meeting in July in the hope of catching Mr Duncan out but he regretted getting him into trouble because he was a "very charming and generous guy".

BBC: I won't sack Duncan, says Cameron

To do so, he is studying as many pairs of venerable siblings as possible, in the hope that the genes they have in common hold the secret of their advanced years.

ECONOMIST: Centenarians

"I don't think that it is a secret anymore that nine teams have signed the contract -- and I really hope that the silver team next door (UK-based Mercedes) will sign very shortly and it will be then that we will take up our board position, " he said.

CNN: McLaren chief: F1 teams must unite

Mary's only hope: that her accusers would not be able to read the letters, written in secret code, that she had exchanged with her co-conspirators.

FORBES: I've got a secret