Editor Alan Tristram says the key indicator to look for is a refusal to answer a question directly – by instead launching an attack on the journalist.

Winston Peters provides a classic example.

Leftwinjg hero John Pilger was an expert too — until KIm HIll called his bluff in a classic radio interview.

The late Robert Muldoon provides another example. He could turn very nasty when journalists asked pertinent questions.

Most politicians will try to evade tricky questions.

But, thank God, not many try to beat up the journalist.

So when you’re looking for the facts, remember to look hard at the politicians’ tricks.