Below is a full list of the new EU Commissioners, who were meant to take up their appointments officially on 01 November, 2004 subject to approval by the EUropean 'Parliament'.

But the MEPs never got chance to vote because Rocco Buttiglione found himself to be just a little unpopular with some MEPs because he has it within himself to believe that homosexuality is a sin and that children should be brought up by two parents.  Not only does he have it within himself but he also said so and remained unrepentant throughout.

Rather than risk defeat and the collapse of his whole Commission, because the vote is all-or-nothing, Barroso decided to perform a humiliating climb-down and withdrew the whole team until he could find a more politically correct replacement Italian.

I suppose you could say Britain's future rulers have been ruled out so we have the old Commission back under Prodi as caretakers.  It matters little that a number of the current Commissioners have wandered off in search of alternative sources of 'gravy' since the unelected EUrocrats are working on forward plans agreed years ago so they don't really need any new 'management input' for a while...

And as November dawns, another one bites the dust!  Latvia's Commissioner designate, Ingrida Udre has also stood down to be replaced by former Finance Minister and EU envoy Andris Piebalgs.  Ingrida Udre was one of the four nominee Commissioners who had a slightly rough ride during the 'job interview' since she is already under investigation for Party funding irregularities.

So until President Barroso comes back with 'Plan B', here is a picture to keep you amused.