UK Politics: Trust, Probity and Transparency
Now that the self deluded Boris Johnson is on his way out the circling pretenders tell us how they will be straight with the British public. The issues of trust, probity and transparency are to the fore. Are we again being fed a line, not just by the Conservatives, but by all professional/career Politicians? I fear that is the case. Let us look at the criteria on which they say they should be judged. First a couple of reminders. It would be well to remember the words attributed to St. Augustine: "Oh Lord, give me chastity, but do not give it yet"; and the applicable conditions for sainthood:- becoming a servant of God, live a life of heroic virtue and perform or participate in miracles. (I do not consider martyrdom or canonisation necessary to consider in this context - at least not at this time). Of course these reminders apply to Political Commentators, but most are so tribal, (of which there are daily and numerous examples), in their affiliations that rational analysis of the substance of their comments is most often a waste of time! Which brings me to the point that if Political Commentators behave with, often outrageous, extreme partiality, how can the electorate bisect and debate the real issues. Unfortunately this requires taking your own precious time to understand the background to the issues. Most do not have the time even if they have the inclination. For my part I never take at face value what Chris Evans (Editor of the Telegraph) nor Katharine Viner (Editor of the Guardian) without further thought. I conclude therefore that appeals to probity, trust and transparency are chimerical. Much better to look at specific issues!
Here are three to start with: How are you prepared in detail to deal with the "Cost of Living Crisis" without debasing, substantially, the currency and increasing inflation; How would you address and implement policies to achieve much wider home ownership; and how can you contribute to improving the NHS within the inevitable financial constraints.
Finally some may say these questions require technocratic solutions, i.e. get the unelected great and the good plus the Civil Service to run the country. Oh please no! The notion that these people (even if it could be agreed who they might be) would not have a political agenda is naive in the extreme. Politics is for the elected not those who happen to have a position.
No comments:
Post a Comment