Tom Scott’s position

Press, 25 October 1980, Page 14

Tom Scott’s position

c;r ’ — It would appear t Jvriy M. Waters (October'2l) needs reminding that at his personal press conference. Mr Muldoon is m the position of host to the news media, arid consequently privileged to decide just who he is prepared to receive at this conference, in. the same manner, that unwelcome guests are resented at other meetings. It is universally acknowledged as bad manners to intrude as an unwelcome guest, a fact readily acknowledged by Tom Scott in his ready withdrawal after his facetious remark to Mr Muldoon. Tom Scott’s remarks when writing about our Prime Minister, _ in his weekly column in the “Listener” are supposedly written in a satirical vein, vet. at times, are in a vindictive manner sufficient to cause offence and is not material worthy of a good journalist. It is not a question of freedom of the press, as alleged, but in reality a freedom to place a ban on an unwelcome intruder. — Yours, etc., R. V. SHAW. October 23, 1980.

Sir. — The very pertinent and valid letter from Judy M. Waters (October 23) on Tom Scott’s position has drawn a magnanimous response from him. It is clear that he is aware of the aphorism that one should never attribute malice to that which can be adequately explained by stupidity. — Yours, etc.. \ r JOHN BALNEAVES October 23, 1980.