29 MAY 2004, Page 29

Short but sweet From Claus von Bulow

Sir: Paul Johnson (And another thing, 22 May) gives a wonderful example of Margaret Thatcher's wit when she found herself as the last speaker following ten verbose males. This reminds me of Jimmy Walker, a much loved, corrupt and of course frequently inebriated Irish mayor of New York. As a young councilman Walker one evening found himself 43rd on a list of speakers. He rose to his feet with the words, 'Not everyone can be the first. Even George Washington married a widow', and sat down.

Claus von Bulow

London SW7