After another week of political chaos, here’s what a real leader is like

By Alec Hogg

My morning routine includes time with Meditations by philosopher/warrior Marcus Aurelius, the greatest Roman emperor. Aurelius' hero was his imperial predecessor and adoptive father Antoninus Pius, as much of a leadership role model today as he was 2,000 years ago.

In a lengthy reminder to himself of Antoninus's attributes, the adoptive son wrote: "He would never put anything aside without first looking closely into it and understanding it clearly; he would tolerate those who unfairly blamed him without returning the blame; and was never rushed in anything."

Plus: "Would not listen to malicious gossip, was slow to criticise; immune to rumour; devoid of pretence; constant and fair in his friendships; tolerant of frank opposition to his own views and delighted to be shown a better way; god fearing, but not superstitious."

After yet another week of self-created chaos, you have to wonder whether if any of the world's current batch of political leaders are worthy of cleaning Antoninus's sandals.