The Parthenon Marbles and democracy

There is indeed a basis to the opposition's fear that the government will use a possible return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece in its pre-election campaign to garner votes. They would be stupid not to. Wouldn't the other political parties do likewise if they were in power? Despite the fact that the campaign for their return began in the 1980s, what will eventually remain in the public's mind is the moment the national goal is achieved.

If the marbles eventually return on chartered flights, there would be a huge celebration. We don't know if we'll greet them with the honors reserved for visiting heads of state - or if we will keep all that fanfare just for the "Holy Light" which arrives each Orthodox Easter from Jerusalem - but the ritual will be the same. A lineup of soldiers, blaring bands, a little speech on the runway and all the associated razzmatazz.

Although...