´óÏó´«Ã½

Commentators discuss Labour MPs demands for the police reopen the investigation into alleged phone-hacking of prominent figures by News of the World reporters.

if there is a special relationship between Scotland Yard and the News of the World which has led to the police going easy on the paper:

"In the upper echelons of Scotland Yard there is a recognition that, as the biggest-selling Sunday newspaper in the world, the paper wields enormous power and influence over a large number of readers. There is genuine admiration for the way in which the newspaper has successfully conducted undercover operations which have brought major criminals to book over the years. As a result there is undoubtedly a cosy relationship between the yard and all of Rupert Murdoch's News International titles. Several retired commissioners and senior officers have found space as columnists or regular writers in the Sun and the News of the World."

that there is not enough new evidence for a fresh investigation:

"Just because a person's name, phone number, PIN and password appear in a phone hacker's accounts doesn't mean that person is a target for hacking. Irish terrorists got 20 years for carrying a list of English names, didn't they? How times change."

[subscription required] that the person who loses the most is David Cameron for employing the ex-editor of the News of the World, Andy Coulson:

"In spite of misgivings among Downing St officials, Mr Cameron wanted Mr Coulson in government as a conduit to Mr Murdoch's newspapers. He is not the first prime minister to court News International... The mud, though, is sticking. The police are under pressure to reopen the case and Labour MPs are seeking a parliamentary inquiry. Mr Cameron is the loser. By appointing Mr Coulson he tarnished a pledge to bring integrity and transparency to No 10. To sack him would be to admit that mistake. On the other hand, prime ministers cannot afford to let their media advisers become the story. Mr Coulson is now a political liability. He might yet have to resign. Either way, Mr Cameron's post-election honeymoon is well and truly over."

how Andy Coulson can be carrying out his role as David Cameron's communication director:

"He is now the big story. How does he advise himself? How can he credibly advise other ministers on their problems with the media when they turn to their TV screens and note that Sky News is leading with the Coulson story? How does he advise Cameron how to deal with the media on any other issue when stories about him are the cause of turbulence?"

the story is not just about a phone-tapping investigation but wider political and commercial competitions:

"If this were a story about Alastair Campbell many of those defending Coulson (or just keeping quiet) would be demanding his resignation and, equally, many of those Labour MPs agitating for Coulson's dismissal would be silent if this were a Labour scandal.
Ìý
"So, yes, this is more about politics than principle. (And about the New York Times vs the Wall Street Journal.) Nevertheless, the principle matters too."

Links in full

•
•
•
•
•