The Commons Speaker, Michael Martin was appointed the chair of the review panel looking into MPs spending in the wake of the allegations against MP Derek Conway.
That choice may now look a little shaky as Mr Martin becomes embroiled in a potential expenses scandal of his own.
Once again, however, our elected representatives are 'circling the wagons' in defence of the accused rather than doing what they should for their electors and insisting upon a completely transparent system of accounting for MPs.
As for Mr Martin's guilt? Who knows? Guilty or innocent however - his chairmanship of the said review panel must be brought to an end. But hang on - what if that is the 'end' which is being 'engineered' here?
I read that Lord George Foulkes claims that the stories about Mr Martin were part of a class battle and was part of a long standing campaign against Mr Martin. Apparently, started years ago by “people who went to private schools and Oxbridge who didn’t like someone from a working class background in Glasgow getting into the highest office in the land".
Somehow that has more than a ring of truth behind it as the House is full of such chinless wonders who probably aren't even capable of tying their own shoelaces (perhaps we should check for slip-ons before we vote next time?).
Michael Martin must be investigated and dealt with in the same way as Derek Conway should be if there is any substance in the claim.
If, on the other hand, a contrived 'smear campaign' turns out to be what's behind this particular case, then a full investigation aimed at identifying the source/s of any 'character assassination' should be pursued rigourously, as that would be even more serious than the fiddling of expenses.
Why? Well for a start deliberate character assassination is not a million miles away from the real thing and can have tragic consequences.
But also consider this. If Mr Martin was just about to investigate MPs expenses, and he can't be relied upon as a member of the 'old-school-tie brigade' to look after his friends when the chips are down, then what better way to 'dispose' of him than this?
Yes indeed mon ami, the leetle grey cells are working overtime...
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