BAD publicity, it appears, dogs Stephen Byers after his Cabinet career has come to an end.

Had he not resigned last week, the emergence of details of the e-mail concerning members of the Paddington rail crash survivors' group would have prompted his sacking.

Indeed, it is possible the surprise timing of his departure was because he discovered yet another e-mail scandal within his department was about to come to light.

It is noble of Mr Byers, even though he is out of office, to take time to apologise and bear the brunt of the responsibility.

His expression of regret will also be of comfort to the Government, happy to saddle the tarnished image of a former minister with yet another transport controversy rather than shoulder any responsibility itself.

However, the Government must not be allowed to disassociate itself totally from blame.

The revelation that the author of this offending e-mail is a special ministerial adviser calls into question once again the role of political appointees in the hierarchy of the civil service.

As did the Jo Moore e-mail about September 11, this sorry state of affairs calls into question the wisdom of placing in positions of public service individuals whose first loyalty is to their party rather than the public.

It calls into question this Government's apparent obsession with spin and presentation.

It is an obsession which caused the downfall of Stephen Byers. Unless remedial action is taken, it is an obsession which may, in future, destroy the careers of other ministers and possibly undermine the credibility of this Government.

Hopes and dreams

IT is a sobering thought that, after months of hype, England's participation in the World Cup could be drawing to a close by 2.15 this afternoon.

Defeat at the hands of Argentina will be a likely fatal blow to our chances of staying in the tournament, and a devastating blow to the morale of the country.

Victory, on the other hand, will send a surge of euphoria throughout the nation and renew hopes that we can land sport's greatest prize.

So, come on England.