There might be change in DC but here its business as usual

Having heard Barack Obama talk about a new code of ethics for the Washington political set up, I was tempted to hope this was one American bandwagon our own politicians might jump onto.

We've had this disgraceful attempt by our MPs to evade accountability under the Freedom of Information Act and, as has sadly become so regular since assuming the leadership, Gordon Brown behaving like a big girl's blouse. At first he seemed to side with those demanding exemption and has now pitifully done an about turn. The man doesn't seem to lead. He sticks his finger in the air and follows the prevailing wind. When it comes to finance the man is in his element - on anything else he seems pitifully out of his depth. Why should these people be treated differently to everyone else? It is quite clear, given the panic, that some people have a lot to hide.




Then we have Peter Hain, though not deemed guilty of a criminal offence, severely reprimanded by the Commons standards watchdog committee for a late declaration of £103,000! And it is said that he only avoided a prosecution because police could not find out 'who was responsible for logging and declaring the donations' Doh!! What? Isn't it a simple case of looking at the structure of Hain's campaign team and demanding who was responsible? I can't see the police walking away that easily frustrated from a private company...or from you and me.



And even Uncle Boring over at the Ministry of Injustice has been carpeted for failing to declare £3000 - despite being reminded two years ago.




It's about time the Government got its house in order. I don't think it's corrupt but it's become arrogant and sloppy. Maybe the government should spend more time kicking ass over politicians practising what they preach instead of some of these pettifogging bits of offences they seem so obsessed with - 3000 in eleven years. Maybe a code of commons ethics with teeth should be much higher on their agenda.