Crime and punishment

I'm not necessarily a believer in the philosophy of 'no smoke without fire'. Certainly when the guns were fired at Jean Charles de Menezes and the smoke cleared, it was clear the man was a completely innocent individual (despite the Met's shameful attempts to suggest otherwise).

But, despite the heavy smoke surrounding Michael Martin, I can't help but think there is certainly more than a whiff of sleaze emanating from the Speaker's corner.

His resilience, which borders on arrogance, in staying in his post and heading up an enquiry into the expenses system would be impressive if it wasn't so depressing. At the very least, the question marks above his head should lead to an easy decision in him standing down from this enquiry to avoid any possible conflict of interest.

There is an air of untouchability around MPs and their expense claims these days with only the most shocking of abuses being punished. And even then, the removal of the whip from Tory Derek Conway and repaying a fraction of what was fraudulently 'earned' is hardly a punishment that fits the crime.


It is heartening therefore that Holyrood and MSPs are waking up to this tasteless arrangement and making the changes that are necessary to the expense system in Scotland.


Independence has a lot of pros and cons, but it may turn out to be the best way to rid ourselves of an increasing number of politicians who can't seem to help sneaking their fingers into the publicly owned cookie jar.