Why is it?

[anotheoldgit]

Why is it that one generally is more inclined to choose a more mature and experienced tradesman to carry work out on one's behalf, and yet tend to elect less mature and experienced politicians to run one's country?

[IggyB]

because over time older trades people have demonstrated their proficiency and improved their skills, whereas elder politicians have only demonstrated their greed and mendacity

younger might not be better in politicians but its probably worth the gamble.

[modeller]

Because it takes a while before the young ones learn all the fiddles. So it takes a while before they really rip us off.

[Gromit]

I suppose when you are as old as AOG, the God seems like a young wippersnapper.

Still, that is not a good reason for posting such a poorly researched post. One look at the current Cabinet and you will find:
Ken Clarke 69
Vince Cable 67
Eric Pickles 58
Chris Huhne 55
Ian Duncan Smith 56.

And age does not always bring wisdom, take 59 year old Girdon Brown for example or the 103 year old AOG.

[jake-the-peg]

Although you might have expected a chancellor of the Exchequer who's actually had experience of a proper job outside of politics.

[naomi24]

What does age have to do with anything? Some people are intellectually mature when they're 25 - others never learn and are still idiots at 80. Age doesn't necessarily equate to sense, and it's a mistake to assume it does.

[anotheoldgit]

There is a vast difference between being 'intellectually mature' and possessing years of experience in a particular subject.

Would you be happy to fly with someone straight out of flying school, but otherwise most 'intellectually mature' or with a pilot who has many years flying experience under his belt?

[naomi24]

That's a misguided analogy, AOG. The acquisition of a physical skill does not equate to common sense.

[Quinlad]

Or, AOG, would you rather fly with someone who's 104 years old with hours and hours of flying experience?

[LoftyLottie]

To be honest, I would probably choose someone who was young, and enthusiastic rather than someone who had done the job for years and had grown slow and complacent and wasn't open to new ideas.