Sketchup: Alastair Campbell at Iraq inquiry
A selection of lines from parliamentary sketch-writers.
Alastair Campbell's appearance in front of the Chilcott Inquiry into the Iraq war was the focus for parliamentary writers.
The Guardian's Simon Hoggart says that Mr Campbell had an air of apprehension when he arrived but that this soon disappeared:
"The guy is a pro. He's been doing this gig for years by now: Hutton inquiry, Butler inquiry, various House of Commons committees, and now this. You'd think he'd get stage fright, but if he does it evaporates after the first exchange, to be replaced by an affable fellow-me-lad camaraderie, with an underlying hint of violence."
the length of proceedings, as a session which should have lasted three hours became six:
"Mr Campbell's stamina was impressive. His papery, northern English voice yarned away, shrugging at his own importance, lightly dropping VIP names."
that Tony Blair's former spokesman remained as faithful to his old master as ever:
"He's loyal you see, another of his virtues. He may save Blair but the rest will be hanged."
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