If you carried out a random sample of the British public and asked them to name ten Conservative MPs, I suspect some might struggle. I guess most would come up with Michael Howard and the former leaders, William Hague and Iain Duncan Smith. Kenneth Clarke, Ann Widdicombe and possibly Theresa May's shoes might also come to mind.

The rest are a rather anonymous bunch - with the exception of one, former golden boy, Michael Portillo.

I note with interest that Mr Portillo seems to be appearing more regularly on our screens since he announced he is to give up politics at the next election.

If he's not cuddling up on a settee with Diane Abbot, he is hosting his own show, chatting about various issues of the day with guests over dinner. In an interview with Parkinson, in which he explained his decision to stand down, he said it was "no fun" being in opposition.

I admire his honesty and I think I can imagine what he means. Despite the furore over Iraq and Europe, I'd be amazed if Labour didn't win the next election with a healthy majority.

For Mr Portillo, the thought of another five-year slog in opposition, unable to implement the changes he would like to see, will not seem that appealing.

But somehow I don't think politics has seen the last of Michael and I can't help thinking he has a five-year plan in mind.

Football managers like Ron Atkinson, Graham Taylor and Bobby Robson have all "retired" from management only to find the lure of one last challenge too much to resist.

And only a couple of years ago, Sir Alex Ferguson announced he was quitting - only to change his mind when considering the alternative of shopping on a Saturday afternoon.

These are men who live and breathe football and certain MPs are the same about politics, and being in the Cabinet is the political equivalent of managing a Premier League club.

Being a commentator or asking the questions is one thing, but to actually wield the power, to be in a position to put your theories into practice in the hope of bringing about change for the good, is a powerful lure.

If Michael Howard doesn't win next year's General Election then many people will consider he will be too old to lead the battle in five years' time.

Five more years in the wilderness will have persuaded the Tories to modernise even further, they will be coming more towards the agenda Michael Portillo is currently preaching. And on the look-out for high profile, talented candidates.

Meanwhile Labour's run may have come to the end of its natural span, internal disagreements will have increased and the country may well be seeking a new direction.

So let's not be surprised if the new radical leader of the Tories quietly promises Michael a place in the Cabinet and "persuades" him to drop his lucrative job as presenter of The History of the Haircut.

I suspect Mr Portillo will jump at the chance. If that happens there will be those who will accuse him of being a conniving so-and-so whose word cannot be trusted.

They should save their breath. When a cat lies in wait, then pounces to catch a bird, it is instinct, there's no point in blaming it for being born a cat. So don't blame a politician for being a politician.