26 JULY 2003, Page 31

Dubyaphilia

From John ilIcKerrow

Sir: Mark Steyn's apologia for the Bush camp is so absolute that I often wonder if he possesses any objectivity whatsoever (`No flies on Bush', 19 July). Bush's reference to uranium from Niger is defended as merely a good-faith mistake which was really only 16 words anyway. If my maths is correct, 'I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky' is only 11 words. Did Mark Steyn defend Clinton's dishonesty on similar grounds? Of course not. I also recall that Steyn foresaw a Bush landslide back in 2000. Perhaps he should buy some new tea leaves before he predicts another Republican victory.

John McKerrow

Edinburgh