Even veteran music journalist David Quantick, who despises what he regards as the ostentatious breast-beating of emo, admits that he cannot bring himself to hate its adherents.

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And the 30-year-old admits he has allowed himself a thought as to what it would be like to lead England all the way in South Africa.

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Bhuller, who himself lived in northern England as a young boy, admits he knew little of Lowry's work before accepting the commission.

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Mr Romney himself admits he has changed his stance on abortion, reversing his previous acceptance of it as a matter of individual conscience.

ECONOMIST: Mitt Romney