Humphrey isn't there

Irish Times European correspondent, Paddy Smyth, was among a party of Brussels-based journalists who met Tony Blair at No 10 Downing St on Wednesday to talk about Britain's agenda for the EU Presidency. As he was leaving, Smyth's thoughts turned to a less lofty topic. "I haven't seen Humphrey the Cat", he said to the man who was holding open the door of No 10, "does he actually exist?" The doorman looked about carefully and whispered: "frankly, sir, I don't believe he does".