An Audience with Trevor McDonald

ALISON CROOSE

In person, as on the small screen, political journalist Sir Trevor McDonald is dignified, articulate and urbane.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of this evening was his declared love of the English language and the impeccable way he used it.

There were no buzz words from this champion of the Queen's English, who credits his mother with sowing the seeds of his appreciation of the correct use of English and who drummed the West Indian accent out of his speech when he was growing up in Trinidad.

He spoke fondly of his school days when he recited Shakespeare and other classic English literature.

“Lady Luck has smiled rather graciously on me,” said this much-respected figure, who considers himself privileged to have interviewed so many world-famous figures. His meeting with Nelson Mandela clearly made a huge impression.

Sir Trevor's conversation with fellow journalist Anthony Howard, and response to questions from the audience, were absorbing and entertaining.

Although he is standing down from the 10.30pm News he will keep Tonight with Trevor McDonald. “TV gets in the blood and I can't see myself giving it up entirely,” he said.