Holmes: Why I named Campbell

By NATASHA HARRIS

Paul Holmes attacked his rival John Campbell on screen last night, telling Television One viewers that it was Campbell who made a call to the High Court querying a judge's impartiality.

In a sarcastic question-and-answer session with himself, Holmes posed 11 questions about TV3's appeal over the Corngate interview and the controversial phone call that followed.

They included:

Question: During that hearing at the High Court last week, what did one senior TV3 executive say to a senior TVNZ executive about the progress of the trial?

Answer: "Campbell is getting it up the chutney."

Question: "How seriously do the courts regard attempts to destabilise judges?"

Answer: "What do you think?"

Question: "Why do you mention all of this, Paul?"

Answer: "Merely to help defend the integrity of the court."

The initial response of TV3 news and current affairs director Mark Jennings to Holmes' comments was uncontrollable laughter - then anger.

He had not been aware of Holmes' remarks until the Herald told him.

"I think this kind of proves Paul's lost it ... The thing is Paul's long had a problem with John, so it's nothing new. This sounds like some sort of pathetic, ridiculous outburst."

Mr Jennings said Holmes' comments stemmed from insecurity that Campbell could be a contender for Holmes' job. "Campbell is a journalist, Holmes is a showman. John wouldn't want his crown."

Mr Jennings said he would consider laying a complaint if Holmes got any facts wrong.

Asked if he was the TV3 executive who made the chutney remark, Mr Jennings said: "I didn't say it to any senior TVNZ executive."