Who would win in a fist fight between Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin and Kadima leadership candidate Tzipi Livni?

Thus ran the idle debate in the pub yesterday afternoon, where Mossad-trained Livni was deemed the sharper, swifter opponent, but Palin was ultimately ruled to have the muscular advantage, what with all that moose pie and elk steak she must eat (not to mention the hunting, killing and butchering of it).

And yet the prospect of these two women actually facing off against each other (diplomatically rather than in a slapping contest) might not be beyond the realms of possibility.

Livni will find out this Wednesday whether her party will choose her as leader over her rival Shaul Mofaz. If she then manages to form a government and isn't forced into early elections (admittedly, an unlikely prospect), then bingo, she gets to be PM.

If John McCain wins the presidential elections in November, and then (there's no delicate way of putting it) keels over, then that puts Palin in the hot seat too.

OK, it is all a bit far-fetched. But all very amusing to think about over Sunday lunch.