Your recent front page contains a picture of Michael O'Brien MP appearing to be pleased over his appointment to the rank of QC through his selection as Solicitor-General (see [2005] Gazette, 2 June, 1).


I had thought the government was so concerned about the process of selecting QCs that a new board of selection had been set up with formal standards for applicants and transparency in the appointment process, but here we have the perfect example of 'Buggins' getting a gong for being in the right place at the right time.


If Solicitors-General and Attorneys-General have to be QCs, why not choose from the ranks of appointed QCs - or at least put the worthy Officer of the Crown through its own formal appointment process?


Otherwise, the rank of QC will continue to be seen as an exclusive members-only club rather than the badge of excellence we hope it should be.


David Wheeler, Nicholas Drukker & Co, London