Indeed, he was in a notably combative mood when challenged by Labour's Johann Lamont about hospital waiting times.

BBC: First minister's questions: Health of a national treasure

Yet the prime minister, Yulia Tymoshenko, is in combative mood.

ECONOMIST: As Ukraine��s politicians bicker, the economy slides

In combative mood, Mr Orban has sparred with Andras Simor, the central-bank governor, and declared to the IMF and the European Union, which have lent money to Hungary, that he will not be subordinate to them.

ECONOMIST: Hungary's new government

Habibie supposedly is in a combative mood.

CNN: A Perception Problem

The mood in the party's headquarters in Columbus is combative.

ECONOMIST: The swing states: Ohio: The big, bellwether battlefield | The