Such a quiet little scandal

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IT IS an idea deeply rooted in the & British nationalist consciousness that while foreigners may bribe and corrupt, abuse, misuse and buy and sell political influence, British democracy stands above such things.

The press greets with illconcealed glee the downfall of presidents, cabinet ministers, princes and potentates. Republics, monarchies, left or right (though preferably left), it matters not, so long as they are foreign.

Even the disgrace of erstwhile political allies can be crowed about - after all they've outlived their usefulness. Politicians may come and go, nationalism is an ever-present theme.

Besides, everyone loves scandal, and for the 'popular' press it's the breath of life. 'Let us all rejoice in our righteousness and see the unjust cast down. Democracy and decency really do exist' It ought to be salútary, therefore, to observe the reaction of the said pillars of decency when the dung-heap is on their own doorstep: What will they say when the dirt starts accumulating around our own pristine prime minister, she of the shopkeeper's morals? Well, now we have the chance.

In 1981 the prime minister, on a tour of the Middle East, used her official influence to gain the building contract for the new university of Oman for a British company, Cementation International Ltd. At the time, she was hailed by the Daily Express as 'super saleswoman' The contract was described as 'one of the largest overseas orders to be won by a single building contractor' • There had been no competitive tendering, no budget was fixed, there had been no design competition, and no outside architects had been appointed by the Omani government.

The deal, originally costed at £215 million, eventually became worth £300 million. Well batted, Maggie!

Later, coincidentally, the proposed cut in the Overseas Development Administration's aid programme to Oman was altered to maintain a higher level of technical cooperation.

Now another extraordinary coincidence has been revealed: Mark Thatcher, the beloved son, was acting on behalf of Cementation in a consultant capacity. He just happened to fly into Oman at the same time as his mother was practically lobbying for the contract. Curiouser and curiouser..

So how have the 'popular' press reported this potentially meaty scandal? With a deafening silence.

The story was splashed in the Observer, and has had some coverage in the 'quality' papers, Gerry but not a squeak from most the mass-circulation papers.

This may not be unconnected with another curious coincidence: Trafalgar House, the parent company of Cementation, also owns the Daily. Express (who at the time of the deal showed no such reticence) and the Daily Star, a very 'popular' paper not generally keen to pass up the opportunity for muck-raking.

And how have Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition used this golden opportunity to reveal the close connections and unscrupulous dealings of the ruling Or class?

By baying about other British firms who may have been cut out of the deal — as if corruption is OK provided it is doing down foreigners.

Hardly a radical break from the prevailing consciousness of Thatcher's class, which is peddled by the popular press.

Mrs Clean herself justifies her actions by claiming that she was 'batting for Britain' Batting for Britain, jogging for Jerus, the same people who attempt to criminalise trade unions as 'mafias' can always fall back on such justifications when their own mafias are exposed.

Samuel Johnson had the last word on it 200 years ago: Patriotism - the last refuge the scoundrel.