I didn't respond as quickly as I should have to the Daily Mail's laudable plastic bags campaign. I planned to do so immediately I read it and then other matters got in the way. Then I noted the Organ Grinder posting by Chris Tryhorn that patted the Mail on the back, so I was prepared to leave it there.
However, I've decided to weigh in belatedly for three reasons: first, there were several negative responses to Chris's post; second, I appreciate the point made by RichardX in a comment on my posting about the PCC and Facebook; and third, I've been monitoring comments circulating today on an email group of veteran journalists, some of whom appear to remain sceptical about the Mail's initiative. I take the view, as I did about the Mail's campaign on behalf of Stephen Lawrence, that to damn the paper when it is manifestly using its formidable propaganda skills in a good cause is unacceptably cynical and mealy-mouthed.
The simple truth about the Mail's conversion on this matter - as with Rupert Murdoch's belated acceptance that climate change is a major threat to the globe - is that it is for the greater good.
And look how well the Mail made its point, with the kind of professionalism and panache that all journalists should praise. It is an example of popular journalism at its very best and might well make a difference.
I'm writing this in Ireland, where the government years ago took action (by putting a levy on plastic bags) that has gone some way to reducing the use of such bags. People here are more conscious now. There is room for improvement, of course.
But let's applaud the Daily Mail and its editor Paul Dacre for getting involved, for trying to make a difference.
