Helinut
Unless it's unavoidable, the nationals rarely adopt a 'campaign' started by a competitor, any more than they'd give additional publicicity to another paper's 'exclusive' - they'd rather run a 'spoiler' than do that. If a campaign is successful, the orginal paper takes all the credit.
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I wouldn't be surprised if the Mirror's 'campaign' fizzles out, but it would be a big mistake to assume the problem has gone away for ever. The results of Dantruck's enquiries are interesting and helpful, but it would be a mistake to assume the DoT is the only government department/body looking at the security aspects of helicopters and GA in the current climate.
The way forward is to keep our ears to the ground and be ready to advance carefully reasoned, informed arguments if/when the need arises. If the need doesn't arise - all the better!
Mr Keetch's excuse?
I don't know what he'd say, but I suspect the truth is someone from the Mirror called him on Friday inviting him (as LibDem Defence spokesman) to comment on that day's big story for Saturday's edition. Journos always want a comment then, not later, about stories of this sort. The wise course is to take time to consider the issues and think about what you want to say. However, from a politician's point of view, there's a terrible risk they'll find someone else to comment - and he'll get the coverage. Horror!
Result: Ill thought out, uninformed, drivel.
Down-side - people who don't matter much realise it was drivel.
Up-side - 99% of people don't realise it was drivel.
And, it still got his name in the papers!
How many people on this forum had even heard of Paul Keetch MP before this? Or, knew that he was LibDem Defence spokesman?
No publicity is bad publicity etc
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