Every job has it's specifications and it's skills requirements. A doctor should know something of how the body works and an accountant should have a nodding acquaintance with numbers.
If you had to write the standing orders for the job of Member of Parliament/Legislature, what would be your prerequisites?
For example:
1. honesty;
2. professional qualification of some form
3. ?
4. ?
... and so on.
Treat this one seriously - what would you really require?
Humility
ReplyDeleteReluctance to serve, eager to return to civilian life
Reflective
Chooses wise companions and counselors
Washington?
ReplyDeleteYes, I think so. But he blew it leading an army against his countrymen during the Whisky Rebellion. That wretched taxation without representation thing again!
ReplyDeleteAgree with 1.
ReplyDeleteDon't see 2 being relevant. I do however want to see some real world experience even if it is simply running a whelk stall.
3 Have realistic plans and intention to leave people alone
4 Old style morals and intent
1. Integrity
ReplyDelete2. Empathy [by which I mean the ability to imagine him/herself in another's position]
3. Some experience of working with people
4. Constitutional knowledge
5. Able to laugh at self
6. If he/she becomes a Minister, some experience / knowledge of the ministerial field. I think it's absurd to have a Minister of Education who has never taught, for instance. Does anyone remember the fuss when Barbara Castle, who had never driven, became Minister of Transport? I don't think anyone would find it absurd now, sadly. All both sides seem to want is to bring in some cost-cutting wally.