But not as convenient as for the US government Keith. It may be justice US-style to "reward" key witnesses with millions for their dubious evidence, but to the rest of the civilised world such behaviour stinks. (Thirty pieces of silver)

No wonder Scotland's pre-eminent law academic, Prof Robert Black, who devised the trial formula of a Scottish court sitting in the Netherlands, regarded the case against Megrahi as not only entirely circumstantial but also "very weak" - as well as being "further undermined" by the prosecution's admission that it could not establish how the bomb got on to flight 103. (Robert Black's commentary on the trial.)

Philippa: the guy on Newsnight was the former US Ambassador to the UN John Bolton (who else? LOL). That discussion – illustrative of the gulf in values east and west of the pond – can be viewed HERE - but I don't know for how long. Incidentally, Bolton quoted a poll showing 82 per cent of ALL Americans were hostile to Megrahi's release. So much for Sinsull's accusation of BBC bias, which sounded gratuitous even without that poll evidence.

Thanks Philippa for linking the Eamonn McCann article. A first-class piece of work, as always from him. It's a pity that some of those who have shot from the hip in this thread will not bother to read it.