The working class have no money, media outlets or board appointments with which to tempt politicians.

Investors here regard the board appointments as a sign that Vivendi is finally in steadier hands.

Around 27% of board appointments since 1 March last year have been women, below Davies's target of 33%.

But his lack of attention to his board appointments suggests indifference.

He later took other board appointments including Britannia Airways.

He did say he would look at all the top company officers serving under interim board appointments before a final decision is made.

Christensen has maintained there was no link between the $10,000 contribution and the two board appointments.

Here is a list of some of his honors and board appointments:

It also all but eliminates the role of the president of the United States in board appointments.

Any board appointment should give the first clue as to what they're up to but is unlikely to prove conclusive.