HOW refreshing to read of the Methodist Church’s prompt and thorough inquiry into the activities of paedophile preacher Keith Morton (Echo, Oct 28).

This is in contrast to the endless cover-ups and prevarications by the Catholic hierarchy of this problem.

However there is a strange convolution entering the language where disgrace and apology are involved. This is to avoid personal responsibility.

The Methodist report suggested fault lay with “systematic failings within the church at every level”. Oh, those naughty systems.

Liam Fox, reflecting on the Werrity scandal, suggested ‘mistakes have been made”.

Wretched mistakes, how dare they? However this is topped by the brilliant Vince Cable (Echo, Oct 27) when commenting on his tax underpayment, he regretted “the VAT liability had not been discovered earlier”. Those pesky tax liabilities, scurrying around in the dark!

It is time for some straight talk from the great and the good.

I did wrong, I am to blame, I am sorry and I resign would be a good start.

Rob Meggs, Hartlepool.