Risky business

If there is one person who can be relied on not to stick to the script, it is Ken Livingstone.

If there is one person who can be relied on not to stick to the script, it is Ken Livingstone. After everyone from the Prime Minister down had demanded that he apologise for his foolish remarks to a journalist last week, the scene was set yesterday for a contrite display from the London Mayor. But, after briefly stating that he did not mean to offend the Jewish community, he launched into a robust attack on the xenophobic demagoguery of the Daily Mail. Instead of dampening down the flames, he fanned them. Whatever one thinks of Mr Livingstone, he certainly stands out in an age of bland, risk-averse politicians.