Of swords and shields and elections

Paul Wells on what a large telescope and health care have in common

<p>OTTAWA, CANADA -FEBRUARY 09:  Canada&#8217;s Prime Minister Stephen Harper addresses media alongside German Chancellor Angela Merkel (not seen) on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada on February 9, 2015. (Photo by Cole Burston/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)</p>

OTTAWA, CANADA -FEBRUARY 09: Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper addresses media alongside German Chancellor Angela Merkel (not seen) on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada on February 9, 2015. (Photo by Cole Burston/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)