I also can't help but be cynical about the timing of such a statement, in the midst of cuts that target the most vulnerable in our society and headlines that lump all benefit recipients together as cheats and scroungers.
Mr Cartner and Mr Musgrave said the timing of his statement was "a disgrace" and Mr Hayes as Transport Minister "should have exercised an element of impartiality and objectivity".
Even though Mr. Fields is an attorney and probably addicted to talking about his respective court victories, the timing of this statement seems a bit off.
The timing of the statement was seen as a message in particular for Mr. Sadr, who represents the biggest political threat to Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki and his associates, and who derives much of his support from Sadr City, which has been encircled by American and Iraqi troops for more than a week.
It seems the commission owes us a fuller explanation about the bad microphone and the timing of the statement.
And, as others have pointed out, there are certain peculiarities regarding the timing of her statement of intent.
He also said that the timing of the statement was not connected to the Vatican's investigation.
Correction: February 12 , 2000 Saturday An article yesterday about a statement by Vice President Taha Yassin Ramadan of Iraq that United Nations weapons inspectors would not be allowed to return to the country misstated the timing of the statement.
An article yesterday about a mild stroke suffered by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel referred incorrectly in some copies to the timing of his statement, as quoted by Israeli Army radio, that he had no plans to step down.
Asked about the timing of his statement, Mr. Edwards told Mr. Schieffer that he was being "dogged by tabloids" and that they would not let up until he had addressed the matter.
