MPs fiddling at taxpayers' expense

It is apparent that some members of parliament in democratically elected societies follow the old maxim "don't do as I do, do as I say".

As parliamentarians, they are responsible for laying down policy and laws and as such, therefore, it would not be unreasonable to expect the very highest standards from these lawmakers. But it seems that it is not so, for there are backsliders existing among the elected fraternity.

The British public has by now become quite accustomed to the occasional charges of corruption laid at the door of one member of parliament or another, not without reason, it should be said.

It was early this month that the Speaker of the House of Commons decided to set up a team to investigate sleaze among politicians. It was a curious choice for the team as it is alleged their hands were less than clean. What is expected to be revealed is anyone's guess.

Now, though, putting in the shadow the levels of corruption against members of the UK parliament are accusations that members of the European parliament (MEPs) have been more than doubling their salaries by making fictitious claims for expenses allowed under the present system.

The EU administration is keen to keep the internal report suppressed, fearing repercussions in the soon to be held EU parliamentary elections -- a given, more than likely. Only members of the committee are allowed to see it, under the tightest security, having first signed a confidentiality agreement.

Members of parliament, whether national or international, owe an allegiance to their electorate, not to their colleagues. As such, they must be like Caesar's wife - beyond reproach - and not conceal corrupt practices carried out by members.

If parliament wishes the public to respect the law, then the lawmakers must set an example by doing likewise.