A journalist on a major paper was sacked for making anti-semitic comment. Among other things he said – in print in the Sunday Times, not exactly a local freesheet –

Kevin Myers has been accused of reinforcing anti-Semitic stereotypes following his first British radio broadcast since the controversial journalist was fired as a columnist at the Sunday Times Ireland.

"I am a great admirer of Jews . . . They make the most of what they are"

In an interview with BBC 5 Live presenter Emma Barnett, herself Jewish, the former columnist Kevin Myers began with an unreserved apology, before stating "I am a great admirer of Jews . . . They make the most of what they are" Mrs Barnett described the comment as a slur that reinforced stereotypes.

The former columnist originally prompted anger after attributing the pay packets of the two highest paid female BBC presenters, Vanessa Feltz and Claudia Winkleman, to their Jewish religion in his Sunday Times Ireland column.

Ye Gods (or maybe even ye G-d), there's nothing like opening your mouth and putting your foot in it... talk about damning with faint praise. I found myself wondering how this would work out in a Discworld context...

Mr William de Worde confirmed that Mr Myers is no longer employed in any capacity by the Ankh-Morpork Times, although he said there was a current vacancy for a janitor and lavatory cleaner, and any application by Mr Myers would be considered among applications from other candidates, without prejudice. Which is perhaps more than can be said for Mr Myers.

Members of the city's Cenotian community were approached for their views on the embarrassing position the Times has found itself in. Rabbi Leonard Blaukreiz of the Central Temple on Gods Street said "Gevalt, William. You cannot be blamed for having employed a schlemiel nebbisher klutz." he wished Mr Myers what he assured us was good health and long life with the proverb "Abi gezunt dos leben ken men zikh ale mol nemen." (1)

Miss Rivka ben-Divorah, a prominent member of the City's Cenotian community, assured us she was aware, and that she would be following the career of Mr Myers with great interest, with great professional interest if needs be. She thought she could make time in her working schedule to go round and have a quiet chat on the importance of good manners and not needlessly offending people. She pointed out that she has been extensively educated in showing impeccable manners and courteous attention towards people, especially professional contacts and clients she meets in the course of her work, even if very briefly.

Miss Cripslock, having established a rapport and mutual respect with Miss ben-Divorah, asked if the rumours were true that she was the Ankh-Morpork section chief of Cenotia's Institute of the Invisible and Protective Shield, an organisation with a fearsome reputation in certain select circles. These select circles include the Guild of Assassins, of which Miss ben-Divorah is publicly known to be a graduate and a rising star. With several contract completions behind her on two continents.

Miss ben-Divorah considered this question, having taken no offence. She replied that it was fair to ask, but neither confirmed nor denied the rumour. She shrugged, and said "Oi vey, Sacharissa. It's a part of being Cenotian that you have to be prepared to pack up and move on at a momernt's notice if things turn bad. We're nomads. We're famed for it. I move around a lot for work, and a rolling stone gathers no moss. Sad."

She may perhaps have been hinting at something. Given her slight emphasis on her final words, it may be wise for Mr Myers to change his name and disappear somewhere else. There are Gamblers' Guild odds on his getting at least a chastising kick in the shin. Bet?

The Discworld nation of, err, "Cenotia", based on hints in canon, and one of its more striking daughters(2) and her shiksa best friend, is covered more fully by me in the tale Gap Year Adventures. (yes. Shameless self-promotion again).

(1) Stay healthy or you might end up killing yourself. Roughly.

(2) You would not want her striking you. Not at all.