with friends like these

The Irish Times went in to bat for the beleagured Johnston Press at the weekend.
An article in the The Irish Times business section noted that the Johnston Press had "done well," to elicit three expressions of interest in the sale of its Irish titles.
One might be forgiven for doubting the sincerity of The Irish Times' admiration vis a vis the Johnston Press.
The Irish Times writer observed tellingly that advertising revenues at the Johnston Press are in "freefall."
The Irish Times added with sacharine sweet sympathy:
"You have to wonder for example what impact the closure of Dell Computers and the companies indirectly linked to it in the area will have on the Limerick Leader, one of the bigger titles in Johnston Press's Irish stable."
The concern of the Irish Times is indeed touching, no?
The Irish Times then made a rather cryptic remark.
The Irish Times wrote:
"The fact that The Irish Times, Independent News & Media, and Thomas Crosbie Holdings showed little or no interest in the sales process tells its own story."
What on earth can the Irish Times mean by this?
It's most odd.
What story is being told?
Or not being told?
In a welter of compassion The Irish Times concluded:
"It remains to be seen what price debt laden Johnston Press might achieve for its Irish papers. Initial reports suggested up to €80 million, a significant haircut on the €250 million the Scottish media group paid to buy them. It now seems more likely to be between €30 and €40 million. And even that price level might be optimistic."
Ah yes.
With friends and admirers like the Irish Times, who needs enemies?
Somebody should tell the Irish Times though that mocking is catching.
As for my old Hire-um and Fire-um pals at the Johnston Press...
I have defeated you.
You are nothing.
Get out of my country.