Cabbage.

Why isn't Mr Smith surprised by this revelation?

If a vegetable best sums up the political profile of Prime Minister Gordon Brown then Mr Smith would have been willing to suggest the humble cabbage. Why do Mr Brown's spin doctors let the PM make such rudimentary slip ups in associating himself which such trivia, even if it is for a good cause?

"IT'S a recession, eat cabbage. Gordon Brown has proposed his latest remedy to Britain's deepening recession. The Prime Minister is among a number of politicians who have named their favourite recipes for a fundraising book in aid of the Donaldson's school for the deaf in Edinburgh. Asked to nominate his own favourite dish, Brown lived up to his Presbyterian image by plumping for Rumbledethumps – a gloopy mixture of mashed potato and cabbage."

Ready. Steady. Politicians.

Mr Smith reads that "They normally battle it out over politics but north-east MP Anne Begg and MSP Brian Adam met in combat over a chicken and broccoli pastry dish at the weekend.In a recreation of the TV show Ready, Steady Cook, they put their culinary skills to the test on Friday night in a fundraising effort for the Manor Project, a local charity which supports adults with learning difficulties.Ina Clark, project assistant care co-ordinator said: "It went very well. It was very entertaining and there was lots of banter. We don't have final funds yet but we know we raised in excess of £600 so we are delighted. The audience vote for the best cook resulted in a draw. "

Seems like a lot of effort for a tactical draw. But who was the "green pepper" and who was the "red tomato"?