"There is no money"

Liam Byrne has apologized for the "there is no money" note, which became a prop of David Cameron's campaign.

I don't see that Mr Byrne need apologize – at least, not because his note was "crass and offensive". Of course, had he said it in a public speech, it would have been. As a description to one's successor of the economic difficulties the country faced, it was funny and honest. If politicians have to assume that everything they ever say will be made public, then honest political debate will be the worse for it.