Every Somali Region of the 18 regions should be allowed to lead themselves and get international aid (if any) not through the current administrations.

This policy has continued through the next two administrations.

Given a lifetime appointment, Mr. Roberts, 50, could lead the court through the administrations of a half-dozen presidents.

He was born during the presidency of George Washington and lived through the administrations of 21 presidents.

They also represent businesses and political ties that run deep through the administrations and bureaucracies that "control" us.

Mr. MacCormack said the amount of such aid had been flat through the past three administrations.

It has been potent enough, in fact, to transcend political ideology across the decades, through the administrations of five governors of both parties and numerous legislative leaders.

Yet even through the most conservative administrations, totally reeling in the safety net has never gained serious consideration.

There is nothing to compel anybody to do anything in the so-called growth areas," she said, "and we've heard about streamlining permits through the past four administrations.

Eighty per cent of these funds are channelled through the administrations of the Member States.