I suppose that any artist is familiar with that idea. On this occasion, however, I have in mind the context of contemporary British politics. I am aware that people in other countries must be mystified by the impasse our politicians have got us into in relation to the proposal to leave the European Union. The explanation is actually quite simple. Leaders of the major parties, although they know what would be an acceptable and workable compromise among the proposals in circulation, dare not move in that direction because they expect that such an action would split their own parties irrevocably. The stale-mate has little to do with attitudes to the EU, and a great deal more to do with the paralysis of politicians who see their own futures at stake.
I’m reminded of painters who have great ideas for pictures, but never do anything to realise them because they fear they will not sell.