12 JANUARY 2002, page 14

Ancient & Modern

MANY newspapers have recorded the sad demise of Europe's oldest coinage. the drachma, 'handful' (ancient Greek drattomai, 'I grasp'). Papers did not grasp, however, that coinage......

No Hain, No Gain

Anne McElvoy talks to Peter Hain and finds a rebel — 'We have the worst railways in Europe' — who is essential to the Labour cause HE doesn't half fancy himself, that Peter......