Fiona Woolf, who was forced to step down as chair of the independent child abuse inquiry because of her links to Leon Brittan now has a consolation prize - she has been made a Dame in the New Years Honours List.
What a fantastic Christmas Present after her difficult year. This is exactly what the Honours System is for, rewarding those who give so much to society.
I am sure we can all congratulate her on her achievement?
Although I think the honours list is generally a waste of time and simple back slapping for most of them from their chums, I'm not sure you can say someone should not get an award because they knew someone.
It does depend on your interpretation of the term 'deserving' doesn't it.
I think that a number of people are awarded for what could be conceived as simply doing their job, for which they are often paid handsomely - Joan Collins, although others have them awarded for conspicuous contributions to society as a whole - Esther Rantzen.