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November 14, 2004
Denial statement for politicians in trouble
The personal and private lives of politicians should remain just that - personal and private. Like the rest of us they have their ups and downs and have to work out their problems. It can’t be pleasant or helpful to have a couple of tabloids on your back while you are trying to do this. So I was dismayed to see Boris Johnson fired as Shadow Minister for the Arts after (or rather before) being given the sunday newspaper treatment.
Michael Howard has claimed that it was the quality of the denial rather than the (purported) offence that was the issue, so I offer the following all-purpose denial statement to future politicians in similar trouble.
STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE RT HON FRITZ SMITH MP
I understand that stories about me have been published in the Sunday Piffle. I don’t actually read this publication, though I bear it no particular ill will. The Sunday Piffle sometimes fulfills a useful role. I recognize that it must be tough to have to sell yesterday’s print news in today’s dynamic world. Doubtless the newspaper will not survive for long, but I would hate to do anything to hasten its departure.
As I have said before, I never comment on stories about my private life. I neither confirm nor deny claims which appear in the media. Nor do I take legal action against those who make allegations, as that only gives them greater circulation. On this occasion, I have not read the article or articles in question, and have absolutely no comment to make about their veracity.
As Member of Parliament for [Haddock and Sleaze], I am always available at any time to discuss issues that affect my constituents, or my party, or questions of major national importance.
Aside from political matters, I am also delighted to talk in public about [stamp-collecting, pot-holing or cats]. I have no special interest in, or knowledge of, other subjects and regret I have nothing to say about them.
Thank you and good evening.
Posted by Simon Holledge at November 14, 2004 11:19 PM
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