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nigelswift N
nigelswift May 21, 2009 15:52:30
Replying to geoffrey_prime

"I would not condemn politicians, wealthy or otherwise, for claiming the very basic expenses"

Well blue sky thinking might lead us to decide they should be means tested before they are given expenses - or even a salary.
What is an horrendously wealthy individual doing messing around as a wage earner? Could it be that being an MP or Minister conveys far greater advantage - contacts, info, contracts, nods, winks, consultancy fees, directorships, prestige and power etc etc ? Maybe we're complete mugs to be giving them salaries for what they'd kill their grannies to do for free?

G geoffrey_prime
geoffrey_prime May 21, 2009 16:08:12
Replying to nigelswift

Yes, you speak for many on this board who clearly equate wealth with greed and cannot see beyond the "£ signs". I dont see much scope for changing that view.
There are many MP's, rich and not-so-rich, who are not in politics for the cynical reasons you list, but to make a positive contribution to society. Personally, I am interested in how effective politicians are...not in their wealth.