CASTING an eye over a not inconsiderable panel of heavyweight politicians, union leaders and businessmen at Sunday's steel summit, it was painfully clear there should have been two extra seats.

Closing that eye and listening for a second instead, it became equally clear there should have been two extra voices.

For among the men (and woman - Redcar MP Vera Baird the rose among masculine thorns) on the panel, accents ranging from Welsh and Scottish to the southern tones of the GMB's Kevin Curran, there were two notable absences.

The Teesside voice of Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus was sorely missed, and undoubtedly contributed to a turnout that failed to fill the Redcar Bowl, where the summit was held.

Its non-attendance was arrogant in the extreme, as was its half-baked excuse that it would be inappropriate to do so.

How shamefully dismissive of a workforce that has given its all, day after day, year after year, to an industry which has been in its collective blood for generations.

The two-hundred-or-so steel workers that were in attendance may not have missed the other absentee so keenly - but it was no less crucial.

Where was Dr John Bridge, the North-East voice of economic growth? The One NorthEast press office was unable to furnish details of his whereabouts, except to say that a full board meeting of the regional development agency had voted in favour of David Walsh attending.

Was there only room for one RDA representative? Mr Walsh was undoubtedly an invaluable participant in the event, his knowledge of the industry is exceptional. But symbolically, Dr Bridge's no-show was nearly as inexcusable as Corus's.

One NorthEast's mission is to create and safeguard jobs in the North-East.

The summit was an opportunity for the region to voice its concern for 3,000 direct and 7,000 indirect jobs, which are threatened by Corus's actions.

Surely, Dr Bridge did not have an option to attend. It was his duty.