Cry foul
I generally have great respect for Joyce McMillan's opinions and reviews of the arts scene. However, I wonder, if in her opinion on Alastair Campbell's tears (Opinion, 15 February), that she, or indeed others who have been equally scathing, might have remembered this is a man who has admitted suffering clinical depression.
Love or loathe Mr Campbell, clinical depression is a very real and much misunderstood illness. It can strike the strongest, most articulate and capable of people and, yes, reduce them to tears when least expected. I wonder how many other people like me, familiar with this debilitating illness, watched that interview and saw it in a different light to the "cry-baby" critics who have been so quick to condemn.
Ms McMillan, of all people, should know never to judge a book by its cover.
JANET MARTIN
Ardchoille Gardens
Perth