It is fair to say that most of us involved in government – both elected representatives and council officials – have a love-hate relationship with the local press.

While it can be useful as a platform to disseminate and promote an idea or way of thinking when done well, it also offers impartial commentary, as well as insightful, ruthless scrutiny on the workings of government – sometimes to the frustration and embarrassment of even the most prudent of policy-makers.