Media leap to defense of disgraced Mercer as Cameron distances himself

Controversy surrounding Patrick Mercer's alleged racist comments which appeared in the Times this week, caused him to be sacked from the Tory party by David Cameron. However it is interesting to see how rapidly the media have leapt to the defence of Mercer, implying that his comments have been taken out of context. The very media which leapt to condemn Big Brother for its racism scandal in fact.

Debora Orr, from the Independent:

"Accusing someone of racism has become such a freighted matter that lives can be ruined when even a whiff of inadequate personal enlightenment is introduced. I believe that reason why black people are the ones brave enough to question the level of excoriation is because they are best placed to understand that it is not helpful to behave as though this is a problem simple enough to be dealt with by making examples of a few individuals." - , The independent

Nick Assinder from the BBC:

"But, for Mr Mercer, his remarks have brought to a premature end what many believed had the makings of a successful frontbench, even ministerial, career."- The BBC

Matthew Hickley and Benedict Brogan ,The Daily Mail:

"Barely two hours after Mr Mercer's remarks were made public, the Conservative leader dismissed him as Shadow Security Minister in a brief telephone conversation."- The Daily Mail

It seems to me that the media are coming down hard on David Cameron's decision to sack Patrick Mercer. However I feel that the decision was simply made by the young leader in order to signify his stance against racism; and to highlight the party's unwilling to become associated with the controversial comments and language used by Mercer.

I feel this is a 'damage limitation' reaction from Cameron, but one which has been made in the interest of promoting a honourable opposition.