Phone tapping, politicians and the public interest

Last night's revelations about the bugging of former politicians and others and the consequent row deflects us from the real issue.

Phone tapping is required in the thwarting of terrorism. But should journalists be using it? Absolutely not. A law must be passed with appropriate speed to ensure that this is the last row of this nature.

Trying to find a scapegoat is the easy option. But it is nothing more than a delaying tactic and should therefore be resisted wholeheartedly.