The right note

WHEN the Ebola crisis slipped from the uncertain grip of Health minister Ana Mato, it was grasped by vice-president Soraya Saenz de Santamaria.

Following a slew of ministry mishaps before and after Spanish nurse Teresa Romero was confirmed as the first Ebola case outside Africa, Mariano Rajoy set up a crisis team of experts. It included the hapless Mato but Saenz de Santamaria is in charge. 

“Responsibility will be apportioned if necessary. Now we must look after Teresa Romero,” the vice-president said:  “Political posts seem less important now, or at least mine does.”

The decisive and sometimes divisive vice-president skirted the blame game and wisely concentrated on Teresa Romero’s plight. Whether good sense or good PR, never-cloying Saenz de Santamaria said the right thing at the right time.  Her political rivals must be livid.