Whether the PC brigade like it or not, when people compete, there has to be a winner

Friday 20th August 2010, 3:00PM BST.

In spite of the politically correct party poopers who, in their eagerness not to upset anyone at any time, seek to stamp out competitiveness among children, we are born with the urge to win.

From an early age children compete against each other in the games they play, in the classroom and on the sports field. Being top of the class, coming first in the sack race or the 100 metres crawl not only feels good, it also inspires the winner to try even harder.

Whether the PC brigade like it or not, whenever people compete there has to be a winner, whether it is on Masterchef or Mastermind, a game of monopoly or snakes or ladders, a pub quiz or Brain of Britain, a marathon or a game of beach cricket.

Playing any game in the spirit it is intended to be conducted – accordingly to set rules – is, to the British in particular, as important as winning.

• Read the full comment in today’s Jersey Evening Post