29 JUNE 2002, Page 33

From Mr Frederick Forsyth Sin The filthiest press coverage since

the second world war was almost certainly accorded to William Hague, For four unbroken years there was not a sneer, jeer, jibe, insult, mockery, slander, lie or calumny that can be thrown at a politician that was not thrown at him. And for few discernible offences.

Did he whinge, whine, scream, burst into tears or flounce off the stage? No, he served his allotted time with dignity and departed with dignity.

New Labour has had 60 months of glutinous media sycophancy and two months of hard tack. The result? A collective nervous breakdown and a screaming tantrum. What a bunch of bed-wetters!

Frederick Forsyth

Hertfordshire