Marr wrong to quiz Brown on pills – but Cameron fair game next Sunday | Research

Monday 28th September 2009 | 15:30

Marr wrong to quiz Brown on pills – but Cameron fair game next Sunday

A majority of the Phi100 Insider Panel feels that at least one Andrew Marr's questions to Gordon Brown was inappropriate, but that it would be appropriate to ask David Cameron on whether he has used drugs in the past

A majority of political insiders were uncomfortable with at least some of the line of questioning taken by Andrew Marr in his interview with Gordon Brown on Sunday, where the Prime Minister was asked whether he took prescription drugs to help him ‘get through’, as well as asking if he was losing his sight.

Fifty five per cent of the Phi100 panel, which includes senior MPs and peers from across the political spectrum as well as media commentators, party strategists, and think tank directors, felt that at least one of these questions was inappropriate. The results are weighted by party ID to ensure a balanced view.

Forty one per cent felt that both lines of questioning were appropriate. A majority of right-leaning panellists held this view, but were opposed by those on the left, Lib Dems, and the non-aligned.

Out of order

A left-leaning strategist said that the drug question was ‘totally inappropriate unless he cited evidence beyond the Westminster rumour.’

A Lib Dem panellist said ‘Blind - fair enough, matter of public record. Drugs - out of order unless Marr has proper sources.’

A Tory MP argued that ‘It depends upon whether there was genuine substance behind the question, as in Charles Kennedy's case.’

A non-aligned panellist said that both questions were appropriate, ‘but only if Marr/BBC genuinely believed the pill question had not already been answered.’

Cameron drug use rumours

However, there is a clear view that it would be appropriate for Marr to question David Cameron on whether he has used illegal recreational drugs in the past in his interview with him next weekend.

Almost two thirds of the panel (sixty three per cent) say that this line of questioning would be appropriate, with thirty two per cent disagreeing.

There was in fact stronger view on the right than on the left that for the view that it would be appropriate.

Balance

A non-aligned panellist said ‘Having asked Brown that question, yes it would [be appropriate], if only for balance.’

A right-leaning strategist said ‘Why not? It's not like he hasn't been asked 100 times, so why not ask again?’

A right-leaning media panellist agreed that it would be ‘Appropriate but pointless.’

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