Letters: Cameron 'shows arrogant lack of judgment'

PRIME Minister David Cameron is being disingenuous or misleads himself if he believes that he was giving former News of the World editor Andy Coulson "a second chance"; the only one who can do that is whoever gives the first chance (Rupert Murdoch in this case).

With the recent example of Alastair Campbell, a narrow escape from Lord Ashcroft's tax status saga at the 11th hour just before the 2010 election, and several warnings of the obvious risks of appointing Coulson to a Downing Street role - especially just after the MPs' expenses disgrace - Cameron showed an arrogant lack of judgment.

Following the recent confusions and U-turns in various policies, the authority he has now lost at a critical juncture in his government's programme is worrying for the UK, even if Murdoch is denied his BSkyB ambition.

Having said that, and accepting that News International is the latest example of "absolute power corrupting absolutely", we should not forget its positive aspects: in facing down the print unions (the equivalent of the Greek unions today), which probably ensured the survival of three serious newspapers (Telegraph, Times and Independent); in breaking the BBC/ITV monopoly with Sky TV; and in much of its investigative journalism, which we must hope will now be taken up by other papers.

JOHN BIRKETT

Horseleys Park

St Andrews, Fife

I DEEPLY regret the loss of jobs at News International … in 1986-87. Then, Murdoch (under the smokescreen of the introduction of new technology) was assisted by scab labour - supplied by the electricians' "union" (EETPU) - to destroy any effective worker representation in the newspaper industry and set up the cesspit that is "Fortress Wapping".

Now, true to form, he has, again, disposed of workers in ruthless fashion. That said, the best thing that could happen to the UK and its few remaining journalistic standards is to ensure that the demise of this scabrous scandal sheet is swiftly followed by that of its sister newspaper the Sun, and the blocking of the BSkyB buy-out. Consequently, Murdoch's loss-making titles - the Times/Sunday Times - could then compete on a level-footing with their counterparts without subsidies.

On reflection, there would have been more benefit to the nation's health and well-being, had our invertebrate politicians introduced a ban on the Sun and the News of the World rather than on smoking.

News International's insidious influence has polluted every aspect of life in the UK, with its salacious and, at times, depraved articles, pandering to the lowest, base elements of humanity - which have successfully contaminated almost every newspaper in the UK and led the race to the basement in standards of tabloid "journalism".

Most worrying, however, is the effect that Murdoch's organisation has had on the UK's political landscape. Since Neil Kinnock's demise as Labour leader (all his own work), every prospective candidate for prime minister has paid tribute, and sworn fealty to, this Australian/American emperor. The crisis has provided a golden opportunity for the media and political classes to clean up their acts.

Unfortunately, given their track records, I believe the corruption and criminality - not only in the UK, but in the "western democracies" - has gone so far that it is now irreversible.

JOHN DOBBINS

Balbeggie Street

Glasgow

Down south, further delving into the relationships between police, politicians and the newspapers will undoubtedly expose more unhealthy coincidences and lapses in professional conduct.

Scotland is a small country where members of the media and politicians often share the same household - an ideal environment for insider dealing and empire building. What farces are we incubating?

NICK AITKEN

High Street

Kingussie