Most strikingly, Mr Gore is interested in science: his famous concern for the chemical balance of environment is matched by similar passions for the Internet, the genome map, new research on learning.

ECONOMIST: 2001: A Gore Odyssey

Another concern: Alphatec founder Chaarn Uswachoke may be more interested in funding other electronics ventures.

CNN: Gone Fishing in Bangkok?

Administrators Deloitte said they were hopeful of selling Oddbins as a going concern and had been contacted by "a number" of interested parties.

BBC: Oddbins goes into administration