Commissioner Terence Cole was mercifully quick yesterday
in putting a stop to the nonsense about Prime Minister John Howard being in
contempt for daring to keep making observations about the evidence put before
him.

“In the conduct of this inquiry and in the writing of my report I have, and
will, disregard the statements and advice given to me both
by politicians and the media”, declared Mr Cole. “I will conduct this inquiry and report in
accordance with the law and the evidence placed before me.”

It is to be hoped
that this sensible attitude is adopted by others who sit on
benches.