Well, here is an usual event.

Back at the Oliphant inquiry into the business relationship between former prime minister Brian Mulroney and lobbyist Karlheinz Schreiber, commission counsel Richard Wolson chose not to make a closing submission.

All the other lawyers present took the opportunity as their last chance to frame their clients' version of events before Judge Jeffrey Oliphant retires to write his report.

But Wolson instead made some general statements, thanking his staff as well as the other lawyers for their professionalism.

Rosemary Barton

And then, wonder of wonders, Wolson also thanked the media for their "fine work" and their "respectful approach."

Reporters here have never heard such thanks offered to the media at a federal inquiry.

Indeed, this reporter happens to know that Wolson had been warned about the Ottawa media before he arrived from Winnipeg.

Turns out, we may not be so bad after all.

— Rosemary Barton