sorry seems to be the arsiest word

The BOF has enjoyed the company of Dennis Stevenson - he's a witty, clever, personable man. But when he sat before the select committee today (the one that's supposed to be putting these villainous bankers in the hot seat) he seemed to have misunderstood the meaning and usage of the word 'sorry'.

He talked of being "sorry at the turn of events"; he told us:"our shareholders, all of us, have lost a great deal of money, including, of course, a great number of our colleagues, and we're very sorry for that"; and he added: "We're sorry at the effects it's had on the communities we serve."

COME OFF IT, DENNIS, that's not an apology, that's a whinge. The translation reads thus: "I'm really pissed off that I and all the people I know have lost money, and it's a pity that civilians have been hurt in this as well." His words might be interpreted as having sympathy, but shouldering the blame and apologising they are not.

He is, of course, an ex-bank-boss. Tomorrow, those still in place will be getting their turn. Let's hope this one goes out live - it might just be the most entertaining TV of the month.