It goes back to the French revolution of 1789. At the Revolutionary Convention the most radical of the insurgents decided to seat themselves on the left side. “Why not on the other side, the right side, the place of rectitude, where law and the higher right resided, when man’s best hand could be raised in righteous honour?” wrote Melvin Lasky in what was then the UK´s most influential intellectual monthly, Encounter. “Anyway they went left, and man’s political passions have never been the same.”

The cessation of flights by Spanair which intends to file for bankruptcy has been described as “very bad news” for the Canary Islands.

Tourism chiefs hope other airlines will come forward to fill the significant gap left by the shock announcement.

Minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism José Manuel Soria said it was a great disappointment as Spanair had helped to improve the archipelago’s connection with Spain and the rest of the world over the years. It also brought into question the role of government in private enterprise.

Prime Minister Paulino Rivero said if other companies did not step in, the Canary Islands would be “even more isolated”. 

 

Another body has been found on the cruise liner Costa Concordia as salvage work was suspended due to high winds.


The 17th body, believed to be a female crew member who wasn’t wearing a life jacket, was discovered on Saturday leaving at least 15 people still missing.

Spanair has left more than 20,000 passengers stranded after running out of financing options. The Barcelona-based airline has ceased operations leading to 647 flight cancellations. UK low cost airlines, EasyJet and Ryanair are both offering options to passengers hit by the collapse. Spanair said it is also working with Vueling, Iberia & Air Europa to find alternatives for passengers.