Lesson 101. THIS is how you make an apology
Dear Nick
This is how to make an apology :
Stephen Nolan interview with Norman Lamb 24th October 2010. You see ? Timely, honest and clear.
Stephen Nolan: “You must be very embarrassed by the promise you gave to every single person Norman”
Norman Lamb: “I am embarrassed by that pledge and I wish that I had not signed it …I take this very seriously. I hate the situation that I am personally am in. I find it a genuine moral dilemma. I want to try and do the right thing…”
“… And look everyone of us , in politics or any other walk of life , make mistakes. I have made a mistake on this and I’m very open and candid about it . I want people to be able to trust what I do and what I say. But in the circumstances I am in, I’ve got to try and make the right decision…”
“…Looking to the future ensuring that universities get proper funding and that we don’t disadvantage children from poorer backgrounds it seems to me that what is on offer if it can be improved in a more progressive direction is worth supporting”
“I am sorry. I am sorry I signed it. It is as simple as that. Perhaps politicians should say that more often. I am saying it very openly to you”
Job done.
You can listen to the full 4 minute interview here.
Tags: apology, Nick Clegg, Norman Lamb, tuition fees