State of Play (TV Mini Series)

Episode #1.2 (2003)

Kelly Macdonald: Della Smith

Quotes 

• Cal McCaffrey : Why is the party pushing for Stephen Collins to do another press conference?

  Helen Preger : This is a good start. I haven't heard about that.

  Pete Cheng : Me neither.

  Cal McCaffrey : Apparently the Mail's got information he was about to leave his wife.

  Cameron Foster : He's only an MP. Why are they throwing a press conference behind that ?

  Helen Preger : He's chairman of the Energy Select. Which is independent of the government but just the fact he got the job means he's one to watch. Everybody I've talked to tips Stephen Collins for the Cabinet within the next few years.

  Della Smith : That must be true because the spin doctors have talked Anne Collins into appearing at the press conference alongside him. She's on the 9:30 train from Manchester. They'll announcement it at twelve. She's due at the podium at 3 to get them time to brief her on what to say when, apparently.

  Cameron Foster : Is this true ? Is he confirming or denying a long-term affair now ?

  Cal McCaffrey : How would you like me to phrase that, exactly ? "Had your girlfriend not gone under a train, would you have left your wife for her?"

  Cameron Foster : It's a fair question, translated into "adult."

• Della Smith : [Della and Cal are trying to convince their editor to hire someone]  He's done good investigative work with the "Indie" and the "Mail."

  Cal McCaffrey : And if we're talking working ethic, the guy never sleeps.

  Della Smith : We think he's got information worth having. And we know for a fact that he's not signed a contract with the "Mail."

  Cameron Foster : He's a pisshead. The reason he never sleeps is because he can't turn his back on a drink. He's too young mentally. Loudmouthed bloody typist - that's all you get with him.

  Cal McCaffrey : And he's dedicated freelance. So you only have to pay for what you get... Cameron, he knows something... Honestly, he's useful.

  Cameron Foster : Do we know what he's earning?

  Cal McCaffrey : He hasn't even mentioned money, so he wants this.

  Cameron Foster : Don't give him any cash advance expenses. He'll only blow it on the strung out freak he married when he was about twelve. Have you met her ? Lunatic ! Wedding was a total farce. Gareth Gates meets "Betty Blue."

  [to Dan] 

  Cameron Foster : Oi !