"Despite all its failings, it remains the best French newspaper".
But in its failings it also reminds us of where he is strongest.
It is, after all, always difficult for politicians to remove democratic accountability, whatever its failings, once it is there.
Thames Valley Police has also admitted its failings, saying that it was too reliant on the victims coming forward.
But it was contrite about its failings in the wake of the publication of the Keogh review.
The United States needs to be honest about what it can do and about its failings as well.
Since Dr Hinton's network shares features with the human visual system, it might be expected to share its failings, too.
And it is not as if Sargent has acknowledged its failings.
"It's the best film about punk, for all its failings".
And its failings do not begin and end with the inattention it offers Direct Support Professionals.
It is fashionable to be gloomy about the NHS, to highlight its failings and to warn of imminent catastrophe.
