I HAVE to say I am not an admirer of Mike Bentley's weekly column.

However, this week's jibe at Madeleine McCann, with his throwaway line about a "wonky-eyed toddler" (They're a flaw unto themselves, The Press, May 25) was in appallingly bad taste.

I can't think of anyone who would find it remotely humorous in the tragic circumstances of her abduction.

Elizabeth Mair, Nunthorpe Avenue, York.


* NO doubt the British media will have their cheque books open when Kate and Gerry McCann eventually travel back, with or without their missing child, Madeleine.

The McCanns were flown by private jet from Portugal to see the Pope, before addressing the international media.

Mr and Mrs McCann are, of course, of the professional class. But how would the media have treated them had they been an unmarried couple living on a council estate and claiming state benefits?

Far more harshly, I'm sure. I doubt the Pope would be seeing them either.

Social double standards are still very alive and kicking in our society.

Colin S Jeffrey, East Mount Road, York.