In theory Mr Bini Smaghi can stand his ground, appealing to the sacred principle of ECB independence, which should mean that he cannot be ousted from the board on political grounds.

FORBES: European Central Bank Independence: Theory and Reality

Having clung to the principle of operational independence to avoid answering the most basic questions, you have nonetheless seen fit to encourage speculation about the true nature of the allegations facing Damian.

BBC: In full: Dominic Grieve's letter

He argues that the party's job is not to defend the union with England, or even to oppose independence in principle, but simply to do what is best for the Scots.

ECONOMIST: Scottish politics

The third selling point: Hydrogen could, in principle, deliver energy independence to every nation because it can be derived using any number of sources-including oil, natural gas, nuclear fission, coal, hydroelectric power and wind.

FORBES: Companies, People, Ideas

The moral principle behind such an aim is that favoring liberty means, by and large, favoring independence.

FORBES: Republican Soul Searching Watch: Foreign Policy Edition

Since the Second Continental Congress declared America's independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776, the United States government has sought to realize the fundamental principle on which our nation was founded: that all people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

WHITEHOUSE: Our Government