David Brent

Members of Parliament have always argued that if they were not in politics they would be working in top executive jobs instead and earning big wages.
I disagree. Most of the members of parliament wouldn't know how to run a corner shop.

Others argue that MP's must be offered big salaries and special perks to entice the more "gifted" people into politics. You pay peanuts and you get monkeys.

I would argue that most of our politicians are nothing more than sheep who follow party guidlines to the limit. You do not need brains for that.
You'll always see lots of your local MP every time an election comes around but just try and get his help at any other time and you won't see them for dust.

Politicians forget that they are voted into their position by members of the public. It should be those same members of the public who vote on whether MP's are worthy of their salaries and perks.

At the moment the monkeys are certainly running the zoo.

Dave.

Fellwanderer

I'm sorry you feel so strongly about the lack of ability among your Australian MPs - I assume it was of them that you spoke?

All the best
FELL

A signature is no substitute for a life

samkydd

Although Bob Hawk struck me as a very forthright and no nonsense bloke.

"...the chairman of Littlewoods stores made a Keynote speech!"

Fellwanderer

Me2 - but then, the grass is always greener...

All the best
FELL

A signature is no substitute for a life

scholes

I forget which MP made the following quote.
"My constituents vote me in so they get the benefit of my judgement, not blind obedience to their every wish".
He was from Bristol.

Fellwanderer

Sounds like Tony Benn and I believe he was a Bristol MP.

All the best
FELL

A signature is no substitute for a life

scholes

I think it was an earlier Bristol MP, because Benn reversed this tenet by appealing to his constituents that a national referendum was the only way to decide on entry into Europe-this was when Ted Heath was PM.
Still, a good call Fell.

Fellwanderer

A better call is probably Edmund Burke.

All the best
FELL

A signature is no substitute for a life

scholes

That's the ticket! Well remembered.

David Brent

Most politicians are the same the world over Fell.

Just check out any public opinion poll as to the most disliked people in this world.
Politicians usually come out worst along with car salesmen, bank managers and parking wardens.

Dave.

CaptainWaggett

I would dispute the idea that all MPs ignore their constituents. For example, Simon Hughes, MP for Bermondsey, spent a long time under police protection after persuading locals to come forward as witnesses in a local killing. You really can't assume that 650 people all have the same motives or behave in the same way.

Just because people are disliked, doesn't mean they are doing a bad job. How would the average member of the public know whether a bank manager was doing a good job. And do people really want no parking restrictions at all?

Marky B

Frank Cook has done well representing Stocton North,but the local Labour party reckons enough is enough and he will not be standing at the next General Election.
Ta Ta
Marky B

I am special. The heavens always open for me.

homeguard

As most of the extra cash they earn is related to second homes in and around London, the answer is simple. Pay them a standard salary, and buy a block of flats in Newham/Tower Hamlets and give them one each for as long as they are in power. That's their accommodation sorted. They could even have Luncheon Vouchers for the House of Commons Dining Rooms. Then see how many of them have a true altruistic desire to serve. Probably only Frank Field.
Regards,
HG
(Was Guy Fawkes that wrong?)