No 'cherry picking' of intelligence: incoming US spy chief

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2007

WASHINGTON (AFP) — America's incoming top spy pledged to prevent the misuse of intelligence, when asked how he would respond if US administration officials tried to "cherry pick" data to justify war.

Retired Vice Admiral Michael McConnell also said during his Senate confirmation hearing he would ensure the intelligence community focused on new terrorist threats inside US borders.

"I believe the first calling of an intelligence officer is ... to speak truth to power," McConnell, President George W. Bush's pick for Director of National Intelligence (DNI) told the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

McConnell, likely to coast to confirmation, was asked by Democratic Senator Ron Wyden what he would do if he found Bush's Republican administration...