Alister Houghton's blog

Kelvin MacKenzie has called for disciplinary action against teh Guardian's Nick Davies and Alan Rusbridger in this Spectator column. Normally with Kelvin he seems to over exaggerate things so he can get attention (although I have no idea if they are actually his views or not). This time though, considering his nickname for the Guardian is the "World's Worst", I think he might be deadly serious...

I read this story in the local Sunday paper this morning. It looks to be a legal minefield.

Last night on Radio 4's The World Tonight, there was a package on Northern Ireland that went on for over 9 minutes. You can listen to it here. It starts at around 15 minutes into the programme. Is a package this long worth doing?

A shameless bit of self-promotion here but as some of you already know I am getting my back & chest waxed for Comic Relief on Friday. I would be really really grateful if as many of you could spare something to give. I am trying to raise a minimum of £150. My 'giving page' is here.

Please be generous!

William Hague's newly appointed special adviser Christopher Myers was forced to resign today after a whispering campaign over whether he was Hague's lover.

The allegations were started by blogger Guido Fawkes. William Hague has had to release a statement denying everything and listing very personal information about his relationship with his wife.

Guido's story is essentially this.

This post details Hague's statement.

What I am wondering is what would happen if he worked for a national newspaper or broadcaster.

Anyone still staying in touch with some politics will know of an election expenses scandal involving Tory "non-dom" Zac Goldsmith (MP for Richmond).

What has got me blogging though are his tactics on the subsequent interview about it on Channel 4 news. If any of you haven't seen it here is the link:

My terrible luck with umbrellas has struck again. This time I have left mine in one of the camera bags (I think). Could everyone who has a bag out please check it isn't in there!

I wonder if this is what the SNP & Plaid Cymru were on about?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7h92DALSM_A 

I watched this programme on Channel 4 last night about the real state of the economy and what is going to have to be done to reduce the deficit.

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/election-uncovered-what-they-wont-tell-us

Very informative, if a bit alarming.

If any evidence was needed that it is the role of a journalist to educate the public, look no further than these quiz answers