No gongs for hacks
Sir: Stephen Glover (Media studies, 16 August) shows a kindly spirit in lamenting the omission of Mr Stewart Steven from the Major honours list. Even so, he is misguid- ed. If we must have honours, they should surely be awarded for services to the coun- try, not — to adopt Mr Glover's phrase for holding the Prime Minister's 'trembling hand'. Mr Steven did no service to Britain by attempting to sustain a witless, feeble politician who misgoverned the country, wrecked his party and was overwhelmingly rejected by the nation when it had the chance to speak.
Besides, journalists should never accept baubles from the government of the day. They tarnish their independence by giving the impression they can be bought. For all his faults, it is to Mr Major's credit that he made clear in advance he would toss no knighthoods to editors. Here he showed more respect for the profession than Lady Thatcher.
Ronald Spark
19 The Rotyngs, Rottingdean, East Sussex
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