Curried ?

Rigorous Robert Peston might like to re-consider his contribution to the selection of the next BBC Chairman, if only for the use of "virtual shoo-in" in respect of Lord Coe.

Oxford Dictionaries online offer this definition: A person or thing that is certain to succeed, especially someone who is certain to win a competition - and this, for the term's origins: 1930s: from the earlier use of the term denoting the winner of a rigged horse race.

The Spectator notes that earlier this week Pesto was on tour in India with Chancellor George Osborne. In his blog, the BBC Economics editors writes "Of course his [Lord Coe's]appointment is not 100%, because there is a formal and slightly cumbersome appointments process."

Could the really cumbersome bit be the Nolan Principles about transparency, accountability and openness in public life ? If Lord Coe is such an obvious shoo-in, why does a senior government source need to boost his claim to any hack, especially one with business acumen ?  Does nobody remember the hoo-ha over John Birt Productions Ltd ?  Will the BBC really write a cheque to the Chime Group for Lord Coe's services ? Who's playing who here ?