WHAT responsible father daring to call himself that would refuse to help maintain his child?

Even allowing for callous selfishness, you would imagine there would not be that high a number. Yet, as the first 40 named and shamed on the Child Support Agency website show, there are many such uncaring fathers around.

Two of them were from Bolton, having to pay in one case £900 in a fine and court costs, plus whatever debt is still outstanding. I hope they're proud of themselves today because they are a matter of shame for the town.

Refusing to help give your child food and clothing - never mind the 1001 other things he or she needs growing up - is the worst kind of irresponsibility.

The only consolation is that the children are truly better off without them.