I loved Dr Calcutt’s piece. It was fluent and persuasive. But I want to contradict every bit of Dr Calcutt’s analysis. Read on ›

On the night of Wednesday 8^th June, Alastair Campbell issued a stark warning to British journalists. Speaking ‘in conversation’ with Bill Hagerty, editor of British Journalism Review, New Labour’s former spin doctor warned that journalism risks losing even more integrity by shifting its ‘centre of gravity’ further towards celebrity culture. Read on ›

Tony Blair’s memoirs are the most confessional in years from a world leader. The devout Catholic convert explains why politicians stray from their wives (not him so far as we know), escape to the loo for peace, and seek comfort in drink (in his case shockingly little of it). Read on ›

We need a culture which allows two-timing, over-sexed, effective, loyal CEOs to behave as they like in private, provided they don’t fiddle the expenses. In short, the public needs to stop muddling-up the bedroom and the boardroom. PRs should lead the way (with their advice). Read on ›

What happened to Mark Hurd at HP was the stuff of Hollywood. Michael Moore or Oliver Stone to the fore? Read on ›

The Holy See has apologised, rightly, for the Catholic’s Church’s cover up of the abuse of children in their care. But there are aspects of this case which should make us hesitate to single out the Catholic Church’s reputation for special attention. Read on ›

Here’s a critique of the tyranny of apologies and the hypocrisy of sponsors and the general public. It’s a call to all to stop faking it. It is a cry for the return of commonsense, reserve and a mind-your-own-business attitude. Read on ›

Despite having more off-side affairs than Tiger Woods, despite deceiving us all as Dad of the Year, while he dumped the kids to play away, I’m backing John Terry’s claim to remain captain of England. Read on ›

Out tomorrow, a film that’ll mean a lot to me, Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, a biopic of my hero from Upminister, Ian Dury. I’m not sure I’ll be able to watch it without crying. Read on ›

This post is a reaction to Paul Holmes’s post Transparency is a principle, not a tool for manipulating the public. His headline was much more one-sided than his text, which was well-argued. So what comes next is a critique of the Big Idea of his headline, not his considered view. Read on ›