THE POWER OF THE MEDIA

Video footage released by the Guardian sparked furore this week surrounding the alleged assault, and subsequent death of Ian Tomlinson. He, as you will by now know, was the newspaper seller who was supposedly  on his way home from work and just happened to find himself in the middle of the main G20 protest lobby positioned outside the Bank of England.

Now, I have studied the various clips very carefully, and I just do not see the body language of a man caught up in a situation he would wish to avoid. Dressed in a shabby shell suit and slightly overweight, he ambles and swaggers in front of the police in an ambivalent manner suggesting a healthy disrespect for law and order. 

What is extraordinary is the backlash from the media referring to Britain as ' a police state ' and castigating the force at each and every turn. 

Even more disturbing was the role the media had to play in the Bob Quick resignation this week.

The Anti terror chief, highly respected within the Met, blundered badly when allowing highly sensitive documents, relating to an anti terrorist operation, to be captured on film by a journalist. The operation was immediately brought forward and was a complete success with 12 arrests being made and a major cell uncovered. Would our press really jeopardise the national security for a story. Where does integrity and public interest meet on the scale.

Mr Quick has shown great humility in resigning and a certain London Mayor has got his way after his public display of contempt over the arrest of Damian Green, instigated by Mr Quick, some months ago.

The Steven Gerrard myth was once again exposed during the week as a refreshed and invigorated Michael Essien got full use of his suitably embroidered back pocket.

Frank Lampard must play central midfield for England partnered by a suitably disciplined holding player.

Sir Alex must achieve what no other Manager of a British club has come next wednesday. We have been here before have we not.

Augusta is in full swing and my tip, young Rory McIlroy, needs to make the cut thereafter anything is possible. Be warned I did tip the German juggernaut Bayern Munich against Barcelona during the week.

I hope everyone has an excellent Easter break.

GRAND NATIONAL SATURDAY

What a week of controversy and what a weekend of Sport to look forward to.

Grand National synopsis to follow, but let's have a recap and opinion, in no particular order of 'That was the week that was."

The G20 in London panned out in expected fashion. Perfectly executed operation, well hosted, delivering exactly what was required within tolerance limits, to enable the wisest of us to at last see the much heralded green shoots of recovery. The dirty unwashed pathetic protesting mob, easily handled by a police force which is totally up to speed in these difficult times, unable to get any sort of message across to an unsympathetic huge majority of hard working and law obeying citizens. I used to get angry about these tax dodgers but in the bigger picture they are merely a very small minor irritant. So well down Gordon Brown who continues to work tirelessly despite unabated criticism.

In a tiny corner of France Mr Paul le Guen permitted himself a small smile of satisfaction as he tucked into his morning Croissant.

The SFA and Rangers are spot on in this one with the fans at last being uppermost in the minds of the shiny shoe brigade as they made their decision. I sincerely hope George Burley and his staff can now take Scotland to the finals via the play offs.

Louis Hamilton exposed for what he is and Andy Murray racking up the diddy final appearances!

Another shooting massacre in America again bringing into contention gun laws and the constitutional rights of the individual.

Now to todays Grand National. I have the winner but here are some ideas for consideration.

Slight rainfall should not affect the going which is expected to be good.

Lots of late money for last years winner Comply or die. Can he become the first to rack up two in a row since the legendary Red Rum?

Cloudy lane is the best horse in the race but is carrying top weight?

State of Play and Black Apalachi have major chances!

E/W choices are Parsons Legacy, Snowy Morning, Rambling Minster and Idle talk!

I am ruling out My Will and Butlers Cabin. Ruby will not follow up his Cheltenham miracle and McCoy has as much chance of winning the National as Andy Murray has of winning a Slam!

Getting close to the verdict however consider this: Nos 6 and  7 in the race are Ollie and Stan!!

My best each way shout is Irish Invader and I have no doubt about the Winner being KILBEGGAN BLADE.

Enjoy the day.