A leader column I wrote for the Cardiff Evening News
THE MOST despicable aspect of the MP expenses scandal is not the flagrant disregard for public money. It is not the frivolity of vast expense on moats, tennis courts, chandeliers and rocking chairs. It is not the wailing of invasion of privacy.
It is the sheer arrogance and utter hypocrisy of the MPs who claim, technically, they have done nothing wrong.
What could have possibly motivated MPs to merely insist they did not break the law? As if this would satisfy us in the face of such monstrous allegations of excess, at a time of economic woe when citizens from businessmen to bus drivers are tightening their purse strings.
Of course, technically, they are right. But if those in power truly believe they have the moral high ground because they technically abided by the letter of the law, they have lost all sense of reason and perspective and made a mockery of the political system in this country, which depends on our faith in our politicians to represent us.
But, because those in power have (probably) not broken the law, that is all the more reason why this is a system in urgent need of reform. But should we trust those in power to reform it?
This is a government whose foundations lie not on honesty and openness but on spin and secrecy. This is a government who has everything to hide and it does not stop at MPs’ expenses.
We have welcomed the resignation of Speaker Michael Martin, as a token gesture towards regaining public confidence. Mr Martin, at least, has finally done the honourable thing.
Forced out: Speaker Michael Martin
But this is not just Mr Martin’s doing and our calls for justice will not end with him.
Why give this parliament the power to decide who did and who did not commit this flagrant abuse of public trust, and who should be allowed to keep their position?
The reality is that only an immediate general election can save parliament from ruin.
It is the people who should decide who involved in the expenses scandal should and should not stay in power, and those whose moral character is cleaner have the opportunity to step forward to take their place, whether Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat or independent.
No one party can be blamed for this scandal, each has proved to be as bad as the next. It is time for other individuals to take the place of those corrupted by power, whatever their party loyalty, and to call for an immediate general election.
It is the citizens of this country who will give these MPs the vote of no confidence.
