"1. I presented this morning my resignation from the Government to the Prime Minister.

2. With the presentation of the resignation, which is IRREVOCABLE, I obey my conscience and I can not do more."

These are the first two paragraphs of the foreign minister Paulo Portas' resignation letter which he presented last tuesday... Funny thing: he is now vice-prime minister and has the ability to finish the Portuguese government at any time. But the word irrevocable still echoes in my ears....