Tears of sorrow

DESPITE their mutual loathing, Gordon Brown and David Cameron share one very personal bond – both leaders have lost children at a tragically young age and in circumstances which are still too harrowing, even with the passage of time, to contemplate.

By The Newsroom

Published 7th Feb 2010, 21:44 BST

Updated 7th Feb 2010, 21:44 BST

When Mr Brown's daughter Jennifer died in 2002 at 10 days old, he asked for privacy so he, and his family, could grieve away from the public spotlight. This was respected. It was the same last year when Mr Cameron's seriously handicapped son, Ivan, died suddenly. His family's request for privacy was also observed.

Yet, on the eve of an election, it appears that these life-changing experiences may form a prominent part of the campaign, and Mr Brown wept when he talked about his daughter's death in a television interview which is due to be broadcast later this week.

He cannot be blamed for allowing his emotions to get the better of him. Few people, who have endured such torment, would be able to hold back the tears, but is it really right for those advising the PM, and Mr Cameron, to encourage them to talk about their grief rather

than the substantive policy issues that the electorate will be asked to vote upon shortly?

Gordon Brown David Cameron