Many people are responding churlishly to the "five-times-a-night" claims of Tony Blair.

It is being widely assumed the statement refers to sex.

But perhaps the Prime Minister is looking for relief from the hard time given to him by journalists during the election campaign.

On a more serious level, if sections of the media are only capable of being offensive to politicians, who will want to go into politics?

More candour is required: Politics and journalism are both dark arts.

And all careers carry baggage and all swimmers get wet.

The social worker is not a prison warden. The police officer is not a probation offer.

I hope I've made myself clear.

-Max Nottingham, Lincoln