Spot the hypocrites
JOHN SMITH'S tax rates call up other memories. How much effort used to be diverted into getting payment through the back door, to avoid the taxman standing guard in front! Mr Smith this week present- ed himself as an ordinary MP on £30,854 a year (and free pension rights) who would willingly pay more tax. Other MPs have been known to have other ideas. They arrange for their wives or mistresses to pick up their large, tax-free secretarial allowances, they pass some of their office work to friendly supporters with offices of their own, they enjoy their free travel, they appreciate their trade unions' sponsorship, they take modest retainers from this or that lobbying outfit which knows (who better?) how to find them food, drink, and travel.. . All that the Commons lacks, but the US Congress has, is a bank of its own for the members to bounce cheques on. Watch the manifestos, spot the hypocrites.
Previous page
