S
suicidalpap
Guest
Time is ripe for full-time MPs
Some ought to take the plunge
Letter from Errol Goodenough 05:55 AM Dec 16, 2010
EVER since I cast my first vote in the General Election almost forty years ago, I have often puzzled over why at least some Members of Parliament (MPs) do not devote themselves full-time to their job.
The vigour of the election campaign seems not to be matched when successful candidates eventually gravitate to their full-time careers after the hustings, leaving time only for part-time stewardship in their constituencies.
For last year, an MP's annual allowance, which is pegged to civil service pay, was reportedly $190,000. Even allowing for deductions towards the party's kitty, et cetera, there remains a substantial sum.
No MP will end up in the poorhouse by choosing to switch to full-time representation.
On the contrary, working full-time will not only endear the incumbent to residents but also provide daily first-hand insight into the problems faced by town council personnel and grassroots leaders.
It should be interesting if, with the General Election looming, at least a handful of candidates take the plunge and pledge their service full-time.
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Why pay so much for a part-timer?
Some ought to take the plunge
Letter from Errol Goodenough 05:55 AM Dec 16, 2010
EVER since I cast my first vote in the General Election almost forty years ago, I have often puzzled over why at least some Members of Parliament (MPs) do not devote themselves full-time to their job.
The vigour of the election campaign seems not to be matched when successful candidates eventually gravitate to their full-time careers after the hustings, leaving time only for part-time stewardship in their constituencies.
For last year, an MP's annual allowance, which is pegged to civil service pay, was reportedly $190,000. Even allowing for deductions towards the party's kitty, et cetera, there remains a substantial sum.
No MP will end up in the poorhouse by choosing to switch to full-time representation.
On the contrary, working full-time will not only endear the incumbent to residents but also provide daily first-hand insight into the problems faced by town council personnel and grassroots leaders.
It should be interesting if, with the General Election looming, at least a handful of candidates take the plunge and pledge their service full-time.
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Why pay so much for a part-timer?