US: The former British ambassador to Ireland and current British ambassador to Italy yesterday heaped embarrassment on Downing Street and his diplomatic superiors when he described President Bush as al-Qaeda's "best recruiting sergeant".
Sir Ivor Roberts was quoted in a leading Italian newspaper as telling a private gathering of policymakers at the weekend: "If anyone is ready to celebrate the eventual re-election of Bush, it's al-Qaeda." His remarks caused irritation at No 10, which was already trying to stamp on newspaper claims based on a leaked memo that it ignored warnings about the lack of planning in post-war Iraq.
