Politicians’ plight is a good start to reform
Does it matter if the public holds politicians in low esteem? Business has been in the same doghouse and survived, emerging cleaner and fitter.
The exposure of MPs’ private lifestyles on public money may result in low election turn-outs and voting for fringe parties, but that is democracy at work. It could bring us a generation of inexperienced politicians but it may also mean an intake of rulers not tainted by past practices.
So long as the same civil servants continue to run the country, perhaps we should not worry if MPs use their naivety to query the officials’ advice before accepting it.
Business is undoubtedly better for the imposition of corporate governance codes and transparency. Cronyism on boards is disappearing; time-serving directors past their best-by dates are no longer common; inexperienced family members are not tolerated. Corporate reform is not complete, and some bad practices have been replaced by new ones to suit the reformers’ prejudices, but replacing old blood with new has generally created more efficient companies.
The balance of power shifts in countries. Once it was the trade unions; sometimes it is the banks or business. Politicians would like to think they are always the important decision-takers but they are not, nor should they be, and they would need to earn that position by both delivering results and acting is an acceptable manner.
MPs lost the respect of the much of the public in terms of delivery some years ago. Perhaps those voters were unfair or have overhigh expectations, but the MPs have now lost respect for their conduct of business too. If they are punished at the polls, that is the correct outcome and the consequence should be a code of governance for politicians. Business can teach them a lesson.
Not voting for mainstream parties may create a void that is filled by a new and better form of politician. It is a win for the public and a victory for democracy.
