Is s man fit for office?

[Duncer]

I know it could apply to numerous politicians, but this one seems to have largely slipped under the radr and was a blatant fraud.

David Laws has been appointed to work as a Schools Minister under Michael Gove at education. Laws was the LibDem MP who claimed roughy £100,000 to fund a flat for his lover. He also paid his lover £950 a month and claimed for electric, gas and the likes without submitting receipts. When the expenses amnesty was offered he made no attempt to pay any money back.

It later came out that his lover was another man and that he was "trying to protect his privacy as he didn't want his sexuality made public". Surely he could have better done that by claiming for nothing?

Anyway, he was forced to resign but didn't face charges. I really can't see what Jim Devine did that Laws didn't, but Devine served time, as many, many MPs should.

Irrespective of that, it is the way these people sneak back into positions of power that gets me angry, especially after such huge betrayals of trust. I would be interested in other people's opinions on this, but only if they are on his deeds, not his sexuality. That is irrelevant in this case, other than for the fact he tried to use it to cover up his fraud. I expect people with such low morals, and I mean MP's not homosexuals, would use anything to excuse their "foibles".

[Duncer]

Good point LG. Do you ever suspect that the current disillusionment/apathy suits them?

Equally, when there is so much disillusionment and apathy, I cannot understand the lack of pro-active campaigning by any/all of the parties? After all, it would take a very small number of voters to make a big difference, given the appalling turn outs of recent years.

Finnlly, does the disillusionment signify my belief that there are a lack of characters on all sides, charcters with integrity?

[LazyGun]

@ Duncer

Yes, I would tend to agree with you. I do think the political classes, despite their often impassioned claims of the need for public engagement, are rather glad the public are as apathetic as they seem to be at the moment. Less work in the MP surgeries, less chance to be called to account for your actions, less chance of constituents being awkward about the way you intend to cast your vote in parliament.

I think there is a form of indirect linkage between character and voting patterns Duncer. I do think were more people convinced of the integrity of their MP, and like them and their character more, it would be helpful in raising the number of those wishing to make the effort to vote.

For myself, I am beginning to think that the idea of a mandatory voting system, with financial penalties for not voting are becoming necessary....