The folly of this switch by a group of activists who regularly claim their efforts are justified to fight global climate change is made obvious by the revelation late last year that US carbon emissions have plummeted to 1992 levels, largely as a result of widespread switching from coal to natural gas in the power generation sector.

FORBES: Just Yelling "Stop!" is Not an Effective Energy Policy

If the Democrats descend into obstructionism, the swing group could well switch back to Mr Bush's side for the next battle.

ECONOMIST: After the filibuster deal

Saints, who won all six of their group games, may have to switch their last-eight tie from Franklin's Gardens to a stadium with a minimum 15, 000 capacity.

BBC: Northampton to face Ulster in Heineken Cup last eight