The vilifying of our country’s politicians is a favoured British pastime. Following various political scandals, particularly MPs' expenses, it is no surprise that we have a tendency to paint an unfavourable portrait of those in political power.
But are we too hard on those we have democratically elected to govern our country?
Peter Riddell, one of Britain’s most respected political commentators, was on the Today Programme this morning to discuss his new book, In Defence of Politicians. Riddell offers a timely and considered defence of the political process at a time when they are relentlessly under fire.
Riddell argued this morning that if we are too negative towards the political process in general, we leave little room for the politicians to govern and could be unwittingly damaging the system. In essence, politics is about compromise and the joining of different interests; although politicians should of course be held to account for their actions, we should not have unrealistic expectations. Politicians are human beings too!
Taking a somewhat harsher view on the matter, Quentin Letts joined the discussion. He reminded us that politicians work for us, taking money directly from the public’s pocket and should therefore be held to account for every mistake they make. In Europe, where there seems to be more respect for politicians, there are many more personal scandals. Is this because they’re allowed to get away with it? Arguably, constant scrutiny makes politicians behave (to some extent anyway).
Riddell concludes succinctly: if we want democratic politics, we need politicians. It really is as simple as that.
In Defence of Politicians is available now, priced £9.99.