Horrible thoughts

Like you no doubt, I watched on last night's television news and read in this morning's papers about the horrific life and death of 17-month-old Baby P.

And three things stick in my mind.

First - and this is a trivial point in comparison with the other two - I saw Prime Minister's Questions as it happened yesterday afternoon when Gordon Brown showed what a petty, small-minded, bitter and dark individual he really is.

All politicians as a rule seek to get in the headlines when they can, but I am certain that David Cameron had no intention of making this issue a party political scrap. Unfortunately Brown knows nothing else and picked a fight with the Conservative Leader. Like so many columnists in today's press, I felt sick as I watched his antics and I hope his shameful behaviour is remembered by voters when he finally decides to call a General Election.

Second, and much more importantly, the details of the suffering endured by Baby P has really touched a nerve inside me. Many parents told me prior to Jamie's birth that I would experience as yet unfelt emotions after his arrival. And I understand that better now than at any time over the last five months.

The idea of any individual or individuals abusing him fills me with unspeakable fear, rage and hatred. I'm sure I'm no different to any other ordinary parent, but the strength of my feelings has shocked - and scared - me nonetheless.

And finally, throughout my adult life, I've been opposed to capital punishment. Growing up in Northern Ireland in the early 1980s, I remember countless IRA atrocities being swiftly followed by ritual demands for hanging to be brought back. However, over the course of time, I began to believe that two wrongs didn't make a right and have pretty much settled on this view.

But as for those "people" responsible for the torture and murder of Baby P, well, my stance has altered somewhat.

In this instance, I'd happily pull the handle myself.