Lord Chancellor Thomas Erskine once said, 'The press must be free; it has always been so, and much evil has been corrected by it. If government finds itself annoyed by it, let it examine its own conduct, and it will find the cause'.

The recent flap between some members of parliament and one of our leading newspapers is interesting. Upon examination of the article in question, there does not seem to be anything untoward to provoke such a reaction.

A paper will report what had been going on in the august chamber of the Lower House; it cannot fabricate what transpired and pass it on as the truth. The writer has a right to express his impressions over the proceedings and how he thinks they might be perceived by an increasingly knowledgeable public.

There is therefore no reason for certain MPs, in particular those in the opposition who have been lamenting over the muzzling of the press, to get upset by what seems to be reasonable comment.

As a matter of fact, opinions expressed in a couple of other local tabloids on parliamentary conduct seem more vitriolic. And some of what is written about honourable members in the British or Indian press can make strong men laugh, blush or even cry.

To be fair, most of our MPs do concentrate on the business of the day, as there is so much to be said and emphasised about national issues from education, development and the economy to the environment, foreign policy and security.

One admires those who find time, in the midst of their deliveries, to stray a little with subtle comments that provide some merriment. However, dwelling on rude utterances, frivolous matters and personal diatribes is certainly to be frowned upon.

Freedom of the press comes with responsibility. While exposing shortcomings, the writer who suggests sensible remedies in sound language is one to be admired. If senior journalists see it fit to point out blunders or improprieties occurring in Parliament, they can be countered in a rational and civil manner.

On the other hand, if there is substance in their comment then it is perhaps wise to look again at Lord Erskine's sentiments, and remedy the situation.

Great men who admit to their mistakes are made even greater.