Longford2006

Lord Longford:
[on a radio talk show to promote his new book about saints, is challenged by a caller to say whether he now regrets ever having aided Myra Hindley, or not] Not at all. As a matter of fact, I consider my visiting Myra Hindley, and indeed, all the other prisoners I've visited for over fifty years, to be one of the great blessings of my life. Now, perhaps, we could get back to the subject of saints.

Talk Show Host:
But hasn't she destroyed you? She's... she's ruined your good name; she's taken all the hard work you did and thrown it back in your face.

Lord Longford:
[struggling to bare his soul in public] Umm... yes... perhaps there's some truth in that. Forgiving her has proven difficult, very difficult. Not for what's she's done to me, that's neither here nor there; but for the terrible crimes themselves. Forgiveness is the very cornerstone of my faith. And the struggle to deepen my faith is my life's journey. In that respect she has enriched my spiritual life beyond measure, and for that, I will always be grateful to her. [trembling slightly] If people think that makes me weak... or mad... so be it. That is the path I am committed to. To love the sinner, but hate the sins. To assume the best in people, and not the worst. To believe that anyone, no matter how evil, can be redeemed... eventually.

Talk Show Host:
[barely paying attention] Right, the time is coming up to 2:20. Lord Longford is with us for the next couple of hours. And the switchboard looks like it's about to explode! Next caller, Lionel in Sevenoaks.