God is wiser than I thought – he has told Ms Palin not to stand for the US presidency next year. Thank you, God. Sometimes (not very often but sometimes) I guess you do know what you’re doing. I mean for example some time ago you decided to nominate a certain people as your chosen and they’ve been the world’s scapegoats and seen nothing but trouble and strife ever since though, even after all they’ve been through, for some reason best known to themselves, they still think you’re the bee’s knees. I digress but I thought I would just point out that little error to you. So back to the presidential nominations; to put it in her own words, Ms Palin said in a statement that the decision came after much thought, and that she and her husband, Todd, "devote ourselves to God, family and country". (She couldn’t serve her country by being president? Some pretty oddball thinking there.)

And, "After much prayer and serious consideration, I have decided that I will not be seeking the 2012 GOP nomination for President of the United States," Ms Palin wrote in a letter to supporters. “My family comes first and obviously Todd and I put great consideration into family life before making this decision." Does this mean all the many heads of state have shown no consideration for their families?

She’s not above a bit of manipulative blackmail though: the declared Republican candidates for the presidency will have to compete for her blessing and for the support of her loyal followers. Oh, boy! Not God’s blessing, but Ms Palin’s blessing.

The mother-of-five has signed a number of lucrative television deals, published two best-selling books and set up a successful fundraising machine. God is still worth a bob or two to the faithful. That’s fine, as long as, being a God-fearing celebrity making lots of lovely dosh, it keeps her away from that insane desire to be president. Last time a born again was in power the world got into such a mess it’s going to take another ten years to recover, if not more.

There has of course been a positive rash of comments on the receipt of this wonderful piece of news.

“Who cares what her politics are or whether you agree or disagree with what she says. She's far prettier to look at on the TV news than Obama, Bush, Clinton, etc. and you can always turn the sound down!

Miss tea potty has been warned off methinks. She is not the sharpest tool in the political shed; even the yanks are not that stupid? She is the only politician who can make the gang we have put in charge look competent, that is no mean feat.

At least she will have more time to serve her country by keeping an eye on Russia from her back yard.

For once I'm genuinely happy that the idea of God exists as it diverts this insane women away from power.

This is a great pity. She was the perfect follow-on to George Dubya, and the world of satire has lost one of its best targets!”

No news of the other tea-party lady and I suppose in this instance no news is good news. Maybe God had a quiet word with her as well.