ABSTRACT
We have already dwelt to quite a degree on the conflicting interests of the two sides in briefings/interview talk. Politicians (including podiums) wish to project themselves in the best possible light, to avoid topics, facts, suggestions that show them in a poor light. And, according to Harris’s (1991: 94, 96) figures, there can be little doubt that, in Britain, politicians are more evasive than other institutional respondents. The press’s natural and professional desire is to uncover as much as possible, which entails digging below the surface of the politician’s account, suggesting other versions, highlighting the negative, pursuing any signs of weakness, doubt and duplicity. In this atmosphere, it is no surprise to discover that not all questions are straightforward requests for information and not every reply provides all that is requested.
