He succinctly describes the key players on the defence team and dubs the judge, Charles Gray, “a leaner, more lugubrious version of Nigel Hawthorne”. At the core is his portrait of Irving, increasingly incriminating himself as he refers to Hitler as “Adolf” and the judge as “Mein Führer”. By the end, it is impossible to disagree with the judge’s conclusion that “Irving is anti-Semitic” and “a racist”, whose “falsification of the historical record was deliberate” and “motivated by a desire to present events in a manner consistent with his own ideological beliefs”.When Irving left the court with his character and reputation in tatters, Pilate’s question might appear to have been answered. But, with the proliferation of new media in which the dissemination of lies goes unchecked, it will continue to resound. I recently logged onto an internet site dedicated to “Julius Streicher, hero and martyr”..

Job description (what it says): A midwife is, essentially a nurse who specialises in pregnancy care, birth and the health of women and babies immediately after birth. Job description (what it says): A midwife is, essentially a nurse who specialises in pregnancy care, birth and the health of women and babies immediately after birth.
Job description (what it means): This is a true vocation and midwives offer more than medical support, often building a relationship with women and their families at and around the time of birth. Due to NHS staff shortages, today’s midwives often work under a great deal of pressure Hours are very long, but the rewards can be great. Even the most dedicated often defect to the private sector, not only for more money but for better resources.Qualifications: There are three routes of entry into midwifery: a three-year full-time (or six-year part-time) degree or diploma in midwifery, a three-year degree in nursing with a further year’s study which specialises in midwifery; in addition, for those already qualified as nurses, a further year to 18 months of study and practical assessment. A minimum of five GCSEs, or the equivalent, of C grade or above, is required, one being in English and at least one in Maths or Science You must also be at least 17.5 years of age at entry. And by the way, you don’t have to be a girl!Way in: the NHS is crying out for new midwives. As long as you have the grades, you should not have difficulty obtaining at place at most universities and colleges.

Commitment is essential and this must be demonstrated at interview.Starting Salary: A newly qualified midwife will start on £14,890, adjusted to around £15,500 this April.In five years you could be earning: Depending on experience and dedication, you could be earning up to £17,655 after five years, but this is also due for increase in April.Benefits: This is a fast-moving and exciting career with no day being the same. The witnessing of the miracle of the beginning of life isn’t bad either.Drawbacks: Births do not always end happily and you must be pretty resilient to stop this affecting you deeply. Hours are long and unpredictable.More information: See the NHS website on www.nhs.uk/careers or telephone The Royal College of Midwives on 020-7312-3535.Need not apply: Those who are squeamish, as babies don’t actually get delivered by a stork, wrapped in white blankets. This job is not for those who want to work regular and predictable hours.Prospects: A midwife can rise up the grading system which is very similar to that of nurses: right up to midwife consultant. Your work is constantly monitored for assessment.Do say in interview: Sleep is for wimps.Don’t say in interview: Babies? Not my thing really..