Politicians

[derekpara]

Can you name a politician, present or recent past, who is in politics to genuinely improve the lot of 'ordinary people' - and not just for the power.

[mastadon]

one more small tiny almost-not eworth-mentioning point.....

Gerry adams and Martin mcguinnes were members of the IRA. How, being members of a murdering terrorist organisation, can they be out to 'genuinely improve the lot of ordainary people'. they were responsible, either directly or indirectly but their involvment cannot be denied, in bombings shootings etc. how exactly did this help people?

[Dom Tuk]

Adams and co say they are not members of the IRA. even your PM does not admit to them being members/office bearers of the IRA and has never refrred directly to their membership. so why do you say they are?

As for them wanting to better the lot of catholics...thats the mandate that they were elected on. So why contest the fact by saying it was not all the people they wanted to serve only the catholics. Do you think their election as MPs of the British parliament is not fair as it was only based on the catholic vote in catholic constituencies?

[kempie]

One point about the 4 (then) Sinn Fein MPs claiming expenses is that they have not (can not) take their seats in Parliament and so are receiving this extra money (as well as a salary) whilst effectively not having to work for it. I would suggest that this amounts to working for profit not the benefit of others.

[Dom Tuk]

No it is not for profit. Change the rules if taking the seat in Houses of parliament in London is a pre requisite to obtaining the salary and perks. They have their constituency offices and staff and can deal with the everyday problems of their constituents adequately from there. You may not like it that they have not sworn their allegiance to the queen but they have done nothing wrong.

[kempie]

...but what is the point of approaching the political arena i.e. the Chamber, and then choosing not to enter it.

How does their presence in the corridors benefit the constituents if these MPs do not debate or vote?
They are choosing to not act as a representative of their constituents and yet receive, in many cases, greater payment than those that do.

[mastadon]

dom tuk, if adams and co say they are not in the IRA is that meant to be good enough. tony blair says lots of things that people don't believe so if the PM lies i'm sure a bunch of terrorists will to. It is common fact that whatever they say, they were in fact members of the IRA. Mcguiness was an active volunteer and adams held a high ranking postition in belfast during the early seventies.

have a look at this link......

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/3238951.stm< /p>

[lynbrown]

Ann Widdecombe