I've been out all day but I had to mention this.
Last year, on the subject of Rupert Murdoch, I wrote:
If there's one thing we should never forget it's this: in the Eighties Rupert Murdoch helped destroy the power of the print unions. For that, he has my undying thanks and admiration.
I'm delighted that Michael Gove shares my high opinion of the News Corp chairman. Speaking at the Leveson Inquiry today the Education Secretary declared that Murdoch is "one of the most impressive and significant figures of the last 50 years".
His former boss, added Gove, is a "force of nature, a phenomenon, a great man".
What stood out for me, though, was Gove's comment that:
"Before the case for regulation is made, there is a case for liberty as well ... I am unashamedly on the side of those who say we should think very carefully about regulation."
The Education Secretary was talking about press freedom but I'd like to think it sums up his political philosophy.
Michael Gove for prime minister, anyone?