The McCanns

[Jonone]

Okay, I appreciate that. The inquiry has reflected the scope of those affected, the reporting of the inquiry hasn't. As I said, more priority will be given to Hugh Grant, Sienna Miller, JK Rowling than Margaret & Jim Watson.

Complaining about that is just pissing in the wind but people should be encouraged to reflect on human tragedy and the press' part in it (in this case).

[David Johnson]

"The inquiry has reflected the scope of those affected, the reporting of the inquiry hasn't."

But this is what you would expect isn't it? That is the problem.

Certainly the Guardian has had plenty of information about Margaret and Jim Watson and Mary Ellen Field etc. etc and their dreadful stories. I suspect the tabloids have concentrated on the celebrities, surprise surprise, because they fill their newspapers year in year out, with shite about "celebritiies" and papers like the Mail, the News of the World etc etc are a fundamental part of the problem that the commission is looking at.

Having said that, the McCanns and the Dowlers are not celebrities and I would be surprised if their testimony hasn't been reported extensively in all media.

Cheers
D

[Jonone]

"I make that claim with authority because during the two years I worked at the Daily Star I wrote similar, arguably worse, yarns"

Conformity is rewarded !

[Lizard]

I don't often say this, but, well said, I don't understand the hatred either.

[David Johnson]

Thank you.

I realise I can behave like a bit of an arse at times.

I suspect that this isn't the only thing we agree on.

CHeers
D

[Robches]

Strangely enough I agree with you on this one David. Had to happen sooner or later.

[David Johnson]

Bloody hell, you and Liz agreeing with me on the same thread.

Pinch me someone!

[RoddersUK]

At first I thought that these two should have been hung out to dry for placing their children in danger as they did. However, let us not overlook the total incompetence of the Portugese Police, or so called police. What a bunch of useless articles they have turned out to be.
Also the sensationalism of the media.
No matter what any one may think these two have lost their daughter and as some have already written here they will be beating themselves up for the rest of their lives, even if Madeline is found, either alive or dead. Have some compassion, it is supposed to be a very British trait.
DJ, you are correct.

[David Johnson]

Now I definitely must be dreaming.

I read some of the testimony that the McCanns gave yesterday to the Levenson inquiry. It included:

1. Two of the newspapers in the Express Newspaper group printing stories to the effect that the McCanns had "sold Madelaine to pay off debts".

2. THe McCanns coming across a banner headline "Madelaine dead" in one tabloid without any warning.

3. Kate McCann's diary which she handed over to the Portuguese police who then passed it back to her, appeared in the News of the World without her agreement. It contained the private thoughts of a grieving mother trying to communicate her thoughts about her missing daughter.

4. Photographers jumping out in front of their car back in England on numerous occasions, shouting and demanding that she wind down the window so they could get a good photograph. To the point that one of their twins said "Mummy, I'm really scared!".

Now whatever people think about their foolishness in leaving their kids alone while they ate nearby, nothing justifies that treatment to a couple who know they made a mistake and have had to live with it ever since.

Cheers

D

[jimslip]

I don't think the McCanns are "hated" at all, they are adored by the British media.It is surely only those that dare question their version of the events leadlng to Maddy's disappearence, who are vilified and spat on!