Here's Colin Myler, speaking at the Society of Editors' conference in November 2007, on his plan to curb celebrity kiss-and-tells in the News of the World:
I personally believe that stories about celebrities misbehaving - well, that's a surprise, isn't it. I think there are other issues out there that he [Mazher Mahmood] should be looking at. Issues that affect the fabric of society and we will see a bit more of that.
Here's a random selection of stories published since that speech, including several by Mahmood: model Sophie Anderton is a coke-snorting hooker; Sarah Ferguson trades on her ex-husband's royal status; Kate Middleton's uncle in drugs and vice shock; Kerry Katona takes cocaine; Peaches Geldof in drugs deal; swimmer Michael Phelps smokes cannabis; chef Gordon Ramsay cheats on his wife; boxer Joe Calzaghe takes cocaine.
Yesterday's lead story was about boxer Ricky Hatton taking cocaine while the previous Sunday's splash was, of course, about footballer Wayne Rooney cheating on his wife with a hooker.
You may well think that this list, which is by no means comprehensive, suggests that we cannot trust Mr Myler's word. That is for you to decide.
Incidentally, I am pointing out the discrepancy between what Myler said and what Myler has done with reference to that specific clause in the definition of public interest in the editors' code of practice, which is beloved of the News of the World as a justification for its intrusion into private lives.
It's the one that says there is a public interest in preventing the public from being misled by an action or statement of an individual or organisation.
