Crossed fingers

CONTINUITY at all costs was the guiding principle as Japan's prime minister selected his new cabinet and top party aides on September 11th. The costs may yet be high. Earlier this week, as Mr Hashimoto was being reappointed as president of the ruling Liberal Democrats (and hence prime minister), allegations were made that three key members of his new line-up had received illicit funds from Junichi Izui, an Osaka oil trader who is standing trial for alleged fraud, bribery and tax evasion. All three politicians have denied any wrong-doing. But that has not stopped the opposition gleefully demanding that Mr Izui testify under oath before the Diet (parliament) when it reconvenes later this month.