Be informed

It is that season again, the New Year’s Honours List. What is it really all about? Okay it is about honouring people who have achieved distinction in the arts, learning, science and public service. I know. But even then, golf: Rory McIlroy MBE aged 22 and Darren Clarke. Come on! Sport more generally. Then call me a cynic, we honour Gerald Ronson, former felon turned good guy (for subsequent charity work). Then there is Peter Bazalgette for bringing Big Brother to our screens – is notoriety on the list of qualifications? Hedge fund manager and Tory donor Paul Ruddock. Well done!