Nadine Dorries
I was simply aghast as I read the comments on Tim's post over on ToryDiary about the Telegraph's battle with Nadine Dorries. I wrote the following as a comment there, and I repeat it here for those followers of CentreRight who might not have scrolled through the tons of posts there.
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To me, it is quite unbelievable that people with a national newspaper on hand as their voice think it appropriate to react to an online blog in this way. Indeed, their newspaper has, for the last 16 days (and counting) demonstrated the power that it can wield in our political environment. If they feel that they've been wronged, have it out - trying to squash Nadine rather than debate her seems absurdly heavy-handed.
Moreover, I think that there is a great deal to be said for the airing of her comments about this business more generally, for example:
* I'm sure that there IS a "depths of despair" attitude amongst our parliamentarians at present, and I think it useful to have the insights she offers into it.
* I think it right that we should know that MPs think (or at least this MP thinks) that the Fees Office (or whoever) colluded with / encouraged MPs to enter large claims.
* I think it significant that MPs think (or at least this MP thinks) that the media knew about the "it's really just part of our pay" attitude held by many MPs and let it slide.
for these reasons, and for basic (and, it seems from this thread, hitherto undiscussed) reasons of freedom of speech, I deplore the shutting down of this outlet of information. We keep saying we want to know what MPs are thinking - one tells us, and gets shut down - why aren't we up in arms on her behalf?
And finally I have to say that I'm firmly on the side of those who find the online vitriol poured upon this passionate and determined member of our Party quite unbelievable.