The White House’s nomination of Paul Wolfowitz to head the World Bank was never going to be popular with liberal-minded bank staff.

But he has had two years to win them round, through his policies, his actions and his far-from-alarming personality.

He has not done so.

The bank’s staff association has publicly called for his resignation.

This should weigh as heavily in the mind of the bank’s board as his error of judgment in rewarding his mistress.

As in most such cases, this is not as black and white as first seems, but the damage is done.

The White House has leant on the board by giving its man a vote of confidence.

The credibility of the board depends on resolving the issue while the spring meeting is in session.

It has now handed Mr Wolfowitz a sword.

He might be wise to fall on it.

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