Public Denial

[curlyperm]

Was on my pooter but had the news on in the background, now did i hear correct that that McCann couple in Portugal have been forced to publically deny having anything to do wwith the disappearence of their daughter? (sorry dont mean to start a whole debate thing going on, and have been waiting for someone else to mention it) just curious TIA

[netibiza]

I think they becoming celebs and the real reason is getting left behind.

[tiggerwoo]

I tend to agree with Elvis regarding the parents reaction to "that" question from the German reporter. Words such as "horrified" "shocked" "angry" etc were used by in various newpaper reports to describe the MacCanns reaction. I thought their response was exremely controlled...they did'nt appear to me to be at all shocked by the question and just took it in their stride so I think they had been "prepared" for it. Unfortunately the ball has now started rolling....in the wrong direction!! They should start re thinking their strategy.

[curlyperm]

knowing me and what i am like, if i had been asked that question (and been innocent) my initial reaction wouldve been EXTREME anger and whould probably have leapt over the table and headed straight for the 'inquiring' reporter, but.................we are all different? as you said tigerwoo ball is rolling now and like someone on here said, we British are a very fickle lot, hero to zero in a very short space of time.

[ELVIS68]

They`ve never been heros in my eyes

[TheGopher]

The press seem to have 'tiptoed' around them, until this question was put to them in Germany. In my opinion they should return home and concentrate on their other two children. Yes, they have suffered, they will never forgive themselves, but somehow the parents' new celebrity status has overshadowed poor madeleine's disappearance.

[smudge]

I think the whole thing is turning into a fiasco!

It's patently obvious by now that they have no idea where their little daughter is, or that she's even in Portugal.

I feel they should return home & try to lead as normal life as possible for the sake of their twins. The longer they leave it, the longer it will take them & their other children to settle back in the UK.

[tiny e.a]

I agree with all, their twins are very young, they have the chance to lead a normal and happy life after this tragedy as long as their parents allow them it.

[kwicky]

The problem with allowing the press to make accusations is that innocent people can be hung, drawn and quartered without any means to defend themselves. Don't you think the Portuguese police made sure the parents are eliminated from their enquiries early on?

[netibiza]

But I think, they are not used to being with their children full-time, they have a nanny, so gallivanting about is preferable to them.

Yes, The gopher that is exactly what I was trying to express.

[netibiza]

Latest news - the Spanish police have denied(?) that they have had a phone call from a stranger saying that he knows where Madeleine is, and the parents flew back quickly after being informed.

[tiggerwoo]

The press are'nt making allegations...they would not be in a position to do that...they were asking the parents if they were aware of what had been said about them ie public opinion.
With regard to them staying in Portugal until their daughter is found...I don't see what pupose that would serve...unless it would be to avoid coming home and "facing the music". It is strange indeed how the press has so far "tiptoed" around the MacCanns and not attempted to criticise them for neglecting their children....who knows someone in high places one wonders?? But as I said previously...the german press conference set the ball rolling and I fear now that the honeymoon is over.

[Pippa68]

Of course the question had to be asked. Just as I was asked if I did anything to my daughter when I rushed her to hospital at 10.30pm with a broken arm.

She had got out of bed to go to the toilet and tripped over a toy ~ twice I was asked if I had done it to her on purpose. I only got annoyed and upset about it after the third time.

[Artymum1]

I am so glad that I have read everyone else's comments . I was starting to think it was just me ( and my friends) who were truly awful people for thinking such bad things about those wonderful caring people ! I for one would not want him as my Doctor .

[NJOK]

Ah, that British spirit.

In times of crisis, we always pull together.

And then 5 minutes later, we're getting right behind the backlash.

Makes me so proud.

[Pippa68]

Unfortunately NJOK this attitude is due to two factors ~ media saturation and the fact that there are no leads and no evidence to show Maddie was abducted.

There may also be the other factor...the fact that a large number of the public can't contemplate why the McCanns left their children at all.

Just a thought..

[kwicky]

It is the oldest journalistic trick in the book. Unknown sources, quotes from an imaginery person/s. That journalist probably wanted to stir things up and just put forward their own conclusions.

[curlyperm]

Proud KNJOK? proud of what exactly?? A country thats attitude toward their own children is appallling! not EVERYONE i grant you but unlike our European neighbours our kids are deemed a nuicence whilst on holiday and foistered off to the nearest kids club! I have done it myself (the kids club i mean not left her alone) you see other families Spanish Italian french etc all dining out together numerous generations all enjoying a 'family' meal like it should be, but unfortunately isn't. However i am not speaking for the nation just generally, and with regard to your other comment 'all pulling together' that is B*LLOCKS.....British people are the best at rallying round etc.. but this long drawn out travelling circus is just becoming tedious now, and i for one am tired of it being in your face, i think we have all got the message now, and i end with the obligatory 'hope she gets found safe and sound etc etc etc