Presbyterian Consciences
Tony Blair, famously, didn't 'do God' - allegedly on the advice of his press spokesman, Alistair Campbell.
Gordon Brown, apparently, has no such qualms - invoking his Presbyterian conscience on the BBC to show how offended he is about the ongoing scandal of MPs' expenses.
Before going on to say that he didn't come into politics to allow a situation to develop where MPs can run away with money - that they don't deserve.
Well the best that can said about that - after 12 years in government - is: About time too!
Because many MPs are making small personal fortunes they don't deserve - by investing in the property market using public funds - then holding on to the profit element that is released when their property is finally sold.
So, the best way for the Prime Minister to show some leadership on this issue would be to say that this nonsense should stop - and stop now.
And that any 'profits' generated by MPs investing in the property market - should be returned to the tax payer - where they belong.
The additional costs allowance was introduced to prevent MPs from being out of pocket while living away from their constituency homes - it was never intended to turn them into property speculators - rich beyond their dreams, in some cases, and at vast public expense.
And while he's at it the Prime Minister could make it clear that ministers should not be allowed to exploit the system - by living in a 'grace and favour' apartment (e.g. Number 10 Downing Street) - yet still be allowed to claim housing and maintenance costs on their first home.
That's not so much Presbyterian - as just good old-fashioned common sense.
Gordon Brown, apparently, has no such qualms - invoking his Presbyterian conscience on the BBC to show how offended he is about the ongoing scandal of MPs' expenses.
Before going on to say that he didn't come into politics to allow a situation to develop where MPs can run away with money - that they don't deserve.
Well the best that can said about that - after 12 years in government - is: About time too!
Because many MPs are making small personal fortunes they don't deserve - by investing in the property market using public funds - then holding on to the profit element that is released when their property is finally sold.
So, the best way for the Prime Minister to show some leadership on this issue would be to say that this nonsense should stop - and stop now.
And that any 'profits' generated by MPs investing in the property market - should be returned to the tax payer - where they belong.
The additional costs allowance was introduced to prevent MPs from being out of pocket while living away from their constituency homes - it was never intended to turn them into property speculators - rich beyond their dreams, in some cases, and at vast public expense.
And while he's at it the Prime Minister could make it clear that ministers should not be allowed to exploit the system - by living in a 'grace and favour' apartment (e.g. Number 10 Downing Street) - yet still be allowed to claim housing and maintenance costs on their first home.
That's not so much Presbyterian - as just good old-fashioned common sense.
