The sharp-eyed amongst you who have read the post below will have noticed the name Clarence Mitchell. You will recall that it was him who the government sent out to Portugal to deal with the media on behalf of Gerry and Kate McCann. I don't doubt for one minute that the government had its own agenda in this affair, and that there was self-interest as an issue. Given that it is called the Central Office of Information, and its website states: "COI works with Whitehall departments and public bodies to produce information campaigns on issues that affect the lives of every citizen - from health and education to benefits, rights and welfare". I couldn't help wondering why someone from the government would go to Portugal and assist British citizens who are neither a Whitehall department nor a public body? There is a Search this site box, so I typed in Gerry and Kate McCann just to see what information about them was available. I was assured that "Your search for Gerry and Kate McCann has produced 98 results". However, not one of the 98 results referred to either of the McCanns. So, the Central Office of Information has no information on Gerry and Kate McCann or why it's Clarence Mitchell was dispatched to Portugal to assist them. Clarence Mitchell is a former BBC reporter, and so far I have been unable to find a photograph of him, but there is this offering from YouTube.
And in this next YouTube video Clarence Mitchell is stood behind Gerry McCann's left shoulder on their visit to meet the Pope.
A mixture of law, politics, autobiography and humour. Once described as "The Devilish Advocate" (Guardian), I do have the ability to provoke a response. Sometimes it comes from someone who uses a thought process, and sometimes from jerks usually associated with the knee.
3 comments:
Did the British ambassador to Portugal telephone the Portuguese authorities about the case on the night of the disappearance? If so, at what time?
The earliest reference I can find at the moment relates to May 8, 5 days after Madeleine's disappearance "John Buck, the British Ambassador to Portugal, said that he had checked the progress of the investigation: “I have been in touch with Portuguese Cabinet ministers, the Prime Minister’s office and police. They all assure me everything is being done to ensure the safe return of Madeleine”. (Times on Line, 9 May).
Surely you mean "the Central Office of Mis-information"?
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