Scoop of the day

Scoop of the day goes to John Manley at the Irish News who got his paws on the McIldoon report into energy prices a day ahead of its publication.

Have to declare an interest here. Weber Shandwick represents the Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation. Its never great to wake up and read a story based on a report which is not yet in the public domain but that is just part of life in this job. I am of course happy that Mr McIldoon endorses the Energy Regulator’s actions over the past six months.  

Over the years I have seen many leaks from many sources. Some like the young civil servant who was briefing Damian Greene MP are done to try and influence those in power. Others come from parties to a debate who want to try and get their spoke in before the posse arrives. A third category are individuals who think leaking gains the favour with the press.

Whatever about leakers in categories one and two, there arem many times when leaking information can be justified, those who think the press will return the favour are more often then not disappointed.