i think the naivity that got Williasm Hague into this situation in the first place continues to make the situation worse.
All he has done with this no doubt genuine and heartfelt attempt to counter the rumours is add a 'gentleman doth protest too much ...' spin to the whole sordid business.
The best thing he could have done was to stay completely silent. Rmours need the oxygen of circulation to survive, he as added a couple of tanks with his protest.
For an obviously able and experienced politician, William Hague is not learning the lessons that concern the environment in which he lives and works - head down, say nothing - rumours evaporate, no harm done.
Come on William - get with the programme ...