Sketch By Nick Assinder BBC News Online political correspondent

Campbell blamed the media for spin

Here was the arch propagandist (and proud of it) not only lambasting the media for being the real spin merchants, but also delivering a resounding defence of the government.

It was a different Ali from the bristling beast who laid into the BBC before the whole Hutton process a year ago.

As far as he is concerned, presumably, job done on that one.

So there was a bit of finger jabbing and table assaulting, but nothing approaching the level of passion and anger he reached during that infamous appearance.

This was a relaxed, confident, vindicated Campbell who has absolutely no doubt where most of the blame for the breakdown of trust in politicians lies - with the media, of course.

Bad habits

It was the relentless negativity and cynicism promoted by some sections of the media which had started and is spreading the rot, he claimed.

And he defended his own past role, suggesting he had earned a reputation for spin that was largely undeserved.

He had never given favourable briefings to friendly journalists, or planted stories with selected newspapers during his time in No 10.

Campbell is a big draw in theatres

And, as far as he is concerned, between 85% to 90% of all spin comes from media outlets with an agenda, particularly the "vile" Daily Mail.

Yes, he confessed, there were some bad habits gained during almost two decades in opposition that should have been left at the door of 10 Downing Street in 1997.

But the problem now is that politicians don't fight back hard enough against the negative forces in the media.

Celebrity chat

Some of these journalists asked idiotic questions, wrote drivel and told lies and if, as a result, he was hard on them, then "diddums", he declared.

That got laughs of appreciation all around, including the hacks, most of whom undoubtedly believe they are plenty big enough to stand up to a lambasting from Ali.

It was all good stuff and it is clear why he is such a draw on the celebrity chat circuit.

His mixture of passion, charm and certainty all braised with a touch of macho is undoubtedly good box office.

And just as the curtain was about to descend, Labour's Kevin Brennan put it into words, asking: Do you think Tony Blair misses you. And if he asked would you return to the fray?

You will have to ask him that and he hasn't asked me back, was the only-slightly-embarrassed response.

Well, we miss you Ali.