Sir David Steel has attacked some sections of the press for what has sees as trivialisation of the new parliament and unwarranted attacks on its politicians.

But his outburst has brought a swift and strongly-worded reaction from the Daily Record newspaper, which was singled out for particular criticism.

Sir David Steel: Attack on tabloids

In an editorial entitled "Whine all you like boys, we're only doing our job", the Record said it would defend what it sees as its right to scrutinise Scotland's new political body.

Continuing the canine theme adopted by Sir David, the Record said: "The proper relationship of journalist and politician, said the American writer HL Mencken, should be that of a dog and lamp-post.

"But, boy, don't some of our new breed of MSPs resent a mild drenching."

The relationship between the parliament and some journalists began to deteriorate even before it was officially opened on 1 July.

There have been rows over a number of issues, including allowances and holidays allocated to MSPs, the cost of the new parliament building under construction at Holyrood, the parliament's opening ceremony and the release of killer Noel Ruddle from the state hospital at Carstairs.

But any hopes of a truce in the new parliamentary session which began last week were dashed when it was revealed MSPs were to be given special commemorative medals, costing more than �50 each.

'Decent standards"

Sir David, who is the leading official in the parliament, went on the offensive and accused some tabloids of "bitch journalism" and a movement away from "decent standards of journalism".

He has threatened to take the Daily Record to the Press Complaints Commission (PCC) and received support in his criticisms from Scottish National Party MSP Mike Russell.

But the Record has condemned the "Steel-Russell" axis and accused Sir David of attacking the paper for carrying out its proper function of scrutiny in a democratic society.

The Record pledged that "no amount of bullying by a few soggy politicians will deflect us from that task".

"If there is a threat to our democracy, it is from those who would muzzle, leash and neuter the guard-dogs of the Press at the first cock of a leg."

'Has a point'

Harry Reid, Editor of The Herald newspaper, said Sir David "has a point" but he was not handling the situation in the right way.

Mr Reid said Sir David as presiding officer is the Scottish Parliament's main ambassador and he should not become embroiled in spats with the media over day-to-day political issues

Harry Reid, Editor of The Herald, on Sir David Steel's row with the tabloids

He said: "What Sir David Steel has to do is stand above this and represent the parliament. And clearly he hasn't got off to a very good start.

"I think he is concerned for the public perception of the parliament and I think that is what this is all about.

"But whether it is right to get into a war with the Scottish tabloids so soon I'm not sure.