So, was Marr right to ask the question?
A lot of people in this country use prescription painkillers and pills to help them get through. Are you one of them?
Rumours circulated a few weeks ago suggesting Brown was being treated for depression. It is an important matter because if Brown is on anti-depressants it could be affecting his judgement and ability to carry out his duties as Prime Minister. (David Owen’s book, In Sickness and in Power, is the definitive work on the subject as it affects political leaders)
For Marr to ask that question of anyone, not least of a Prime Minister, on live national television is ill judged unless there is documentary proof. To date none exists in the public domain, so Marr was wrong to ask.
Is Brown’s answer to Marr of “No” is enough to close the matter down? Only if it believed and the subject does not arise again.
For all concerned, it would have been better not to have asked the question in the first place.
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But it was the wrong question - who has asked about painkillers?
ReplyDeleteIt's antidepressants which could be a problem for him...
Why, exactly, would it have been better not to have asked the question?
ReplyDeleteBecause there is no proof. Marr should have avoided the question.
ReplyDeleteIf he is taking them, the Country has a right to know.
ReplyDeleteTaking a contrary view, I think we have been conned! Marr was primed to ask the question by the Brownites knowing that this would close down the issue of the PM being on anti-depressants.
ReplyDeleteBrown was very quick to revert to his well-worn story about his rugby injury to his left eye and the latter problems (already in the public domain) he has had with his right eye. I have great sympathy for him.
However, he (and Marr) did not cover the question about whether he is taking anti-depressants which has been the main subject of rumour.
Far from being audacious, I think Marr gave Brown an easy way out.