I won't respond to each of the individual comments, suffice to say that I did qualify that my own view could sound heartless.

Of course a missing child is a terrible thing. My point, if you read closely, was that there was no need for such extensive news coverage about Madeleine McCann.

I won't bore you with the statistics about the number of children that go missing every year, although I'm certain everyone knows that the McCann child was not the only youngster to disappear in 2007.

But what there was -and I stand by this- was a disproportionate amount of media space and time given over to one child. Let's remember the others. The ones without blond hair, blue eyes, and a middle class family.

Lets give them some coverage.

I went missing all the time when I was a kid. It was a bit of a game I used to play.

My mother lost count of the times she would be called out on the tannoy in Asda, because I'd wandered off and my three year-old vanity demanded that she whole shop hear my name announced.

But mostly, I ran off because I wanted to be found.

I hoped to be the prodigal son -my reappearances rewarded with parties and hugs.

Of course there were close calls, but that goes with the territory of being a drama queen.

I don't mind admitting I was responsible for a lot of heartache then, but I think blaming the fact that children still go missing on me, is, frankly, ridiculous.

And as for apathy? Well I've clearly got you all talking.