Folk based musicians have as much right to reject the influence of Sam Larner and Walter Pardon, as you have to reject Donovan. The syntheses you make of the artists that influence you - that's what you hear in folk clubs.

The thing is - if you listen to Ewan MacColl records or see Brian Peters performing - in a way you will be influenced by what you call the source singers.

If you wish to promote the cause of the source singers, the way to do it is to not to disparrage others. Think of the way Christy Moore has championed the work of John Riley.

Surely this positivism is what is needed.