A controversial week reviewed

It started with the now infamous diatribe from a previously unknown tabloid columnist, Jan Moir, sharing, in the Daily Mail, her thoughts on the late Stephen Gately and the circumstances leading to his death, gay partnerships, and the like. An expert seemingly on all matters gay, legal and pretty much all else it seems, there was nothing but overt homophopbia in her comments and the tone, quite apart from choice of medium, was little helped by her (later) self-claimed "record" on supporting gay causes. Vile person: I hope that the censure of the Press Complaints Commission (should it actually have some bite after the 25,000+ complaints) and Police enquiry really do force her back into the hole from which her filth and views crept forth in the first place.

I do not subscribe to Matthew Parris' view, either, that the article was justifiable as it "merely reflected the conversations in the pub". That form of acquiensence is, in my mind, illustrative of cowardice and suggests an element of self-loathing. A journalist of far higher standing, he could have used that to far greater good. A disappointing response from an out gay man, however - also a former Tory MP - perhaps he really is the face of the modern Conservative Party.

That was followed by the British National Party being provided a face and voice on the BBC Question Time programme. I think that was a huge mistake, and the subsequent opinion polls that suggest a following of 20% across the country give little cause for optimism.

Providing people like Moir and Griffin a platform opens up the way for other extremists - Christian, Muslim, nationalists and extreme socialists etc - to voice their equally unsavoury views. If we are serious about protecting democracy, and the freedom of speech and conviction, then we must be on our guard that they are not eroded by the voices of extremism using those fundamental rights as a cover from whence to gain personal power over the voices of moderation, toleration and co-operation.

In my Father's house there are many rooms ... there may indeed be: but that does not mean there is room for hatred and people of such evil dispositions.

And finally we have the Church of England in complete disarray because the Pope has offered about 600 priests a home in Rome. Nothing new in it: I wish them well. Their desire to be led by the voices of the past, rather than moving forward in Faith that these two wings of of the broader church that is Christendom, could one day draw in together and find a single unified voice, is saddening. One of their number described the Church of England as the Church of Political Correctness ... he may be right: but at least it is an inclusive church and not one divided by sex, sexuality (on the surface), and other perceptions of imperfection.

The Police - foul we cry!

I never cease to be surprised by the expressions of outrage and hurt that follow public demonstrations that have turned violent. While I would never condone violence, the recent spate of complaints following the conduct of demonstrators in the City of London almost beggars belief.

I'm deeply saddened by the death of the newspaper salesman - in my mind he was clearly the victim of being in the "wrong place at the wrong time" as much as a probable unprovoked assault by an over-hyped police officer responding perhaps instinctively to the scenes of anarchy around him. I am however bemused by the hurt shown last night on television by the woman "beaten back" by a police officer: not because I applaud his actions in anyway - but by how she thought she was not opening herself to harm by taking part in a violent controntation with the Police.

London sees many marches and demonstrations every year - they pass off peacefully enough and as one who takes part in the Gay Pride march I am grateful for the presence of the Police - particularly when passing those yelling abuse.

I recognise too, though that those marches held by extremists tend to bring out the very worst in both those demonstrators and police officers intent upon "having a go". The Thin Blue Line is there to protect our democratic right to legitimate peaceful protest as much as it is there to protect lives and property. Officers of all ranks who attend these events with their faces covered or identification numbers obscured should be dismissed: not given the opportunity to retire (on a very good pension) or resign (with their honour in tact). They bring their colleagues and service into disrepute and are as much a threat to our democracy as the extremists who hijack legitimate debate or public peaceful demonstration.