Puke-making.

amarita, london, uk

Asked to comment on Lord Mandelson's dealings with Oleg Deripaska, Gordon Brown replied, "This was already investigated by the European Commission when he was a commissioner and the answer was nothing untoward happened. That's where the story lies." Was this a Freudian slip?

Norman Dawes, Bury St Edmunds, UK

What spinning. Apparantly, up to now his statements to EU and public were he just met this Russian. And he was on board as no room on shore! Really!! Now he admits they met years before. Then Mandy passed EU laws to benefit the Russian's firm, and his huge property development. Do investigate!

gordon, fife, scotland

Businessmen always remember their first encounter with contacts and billionaires.Mandelson knows exactly when he dined with the Russian and what was discussed.Like Blair he is a master of symantics and clouding the truth.More digging will secure further forgotten incidents.

Victor T Radford, Oldham, Lanc's

Ostensibly we live in a global village, in Britain, and, as elsewhere, we are governed by a democratically elected parliament. We have a right to expect that our representatives do not smear their integrity by indulging in devious manoeuvrings with foreign nationals. Those who do, should quit.

Michael Halpern, London, UK

Peter Mandelson just doesn't get it. Someone in his position (now, and earlier as an EU Commissioner) should not be friends with a man like Deripaska. If he does not understand why it is a sad reflection on the man. Mandelson's behaviour crossed the line and he is not fit to be in the cabinet.

Mark Kirsh, Moscow, Russia

This government has a poor record on education but it is sad that this master of words and spin should write with poor grammar.

Line four should read "... prior to my being admitted ..." as being is a verbal noun.

Bah. Why does he make it so easy to bash him?

Lester May, London , UK

Why the need to mention his 'urgent medical procedure'?

Surely Mandy isn't playing for sympathy!

No, he is just trying to cover his ass, as usual! It's all someone else's fault.

Why didn't he correct the error earlier?

Peter Grimes, London,

“Perhaps I should add that naturally I met a great number of business people round the world as EC Trade Commissioner.” Meeting them is one thing; staying on their yacht is another.This is a man who is now Business Secretary. The way he operated in his previous job is a legitimate concern.

Fernando, Southampton, England

Well...he would say this, wouldn't he?

David, Hemel Hempstead, ENGLAND

This letter appears to do a number of things. It corrects perceived history concerning a "best of my recollection" meeting in 2004 as opposed to 2006, thus strengthening the apparent bond of friendship time wise. It also gives a self satisfied and rather smug response to potential criticism

Douglas Miller, Fulham,