In lambasting the government's cack-handedness, the press has also helped foster the army's image as the only competent official provider of relief work.

ECONOMIST: Banyan

In truth, Mr Brown helped to bring down the wrath of the press on his own head: the vehemence of political journalism in recent years has been fuelled by the cack-handedness of politicians, and in some cases their greed and depravity.

ECONOMIST: Bagehot