While I disagree with the protester who gunked Mandelson, I would defend to the death her right to do so. We've a proud tradition of egging and debunking the powers that be in this country. You might even argue that the whole spitting thing that was endemic during punk was part of it. A country that locks up these kind of protesters is one that has coccooned its political class. We should be glad that people will fight without fear for what they believe in.