PUBLISH AND BE DAMNED

I tend not to give much credence to Simon Carr of the Independent as he is a bit too chatty and 'clever, clever' but his piece today on the ability of politicians to work around any set of rules and procedures was interesting for his very simple conclusion, which is not new but it is sensible and bears repeating.

Quite simply all MPs' and Lords' expenses claims should be published on the internet for everyone to see. This will perform the simple function of shining a light on them and making it clear that the more ludicrous expenses, such as Gerald Kaufman's claim for a £255 pen, will not wash with Victor and Vanessa Voter. Every constituency will inevitably have a busybody or two who will be very happy to go through all the claims made and highlight any which are as daft as this one.

Its obvious and simple but will it happen? ........My apologies, I was briefly distracted there by the sight of a pair of Gloucester Old Spot pigs swooping and soaring majestically past my window as they perform their Spring mating ritual.