Mr Mack is viewed as a charismatic leader, at a time when restoring morale and halting defections are critical.

ECONOMIST: Return of the Mack | The

Mr Scott said the first minister had an "enormous task" in restoring the confidence in the Commonwealth Games by the time they came to Glasgow in 2014.

BBC: Scottish Parliament

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe took office in December, vowing to boost the economy by restoring Japan's export competitiveness, while at the same time stimulating demand at home through higher public works spending.

NPR: Japan Posts Record $17.4B Trade Deficit In Jan.