MPs and the "the spirit of the rules" Syndrome

What a morning already!

Well I've read that Gordon Brown wants all expenses claim by MPs reviewed by an independent body. So who chooses, appoints and pays the 'body'- him/MPs? How do you get independence in the world today?

Then Nick Clegg has said on TV today that he will..."come down like a ton of bricks" on anyone abusing the expenses system, well done Nick, lets see how long it is before we see any flattened and bruised Lib Dem MPs about in Westminster then.

I was at a large meeting in Birmingham yesterday and in any breaks the main topic of conversation was MPs expenses issues. I did not hear a single person try to defend, explain or support the situation and everyone who mentioned it was appalled, feeling that the status and respect for MPs was at an all time low.

So are today's reactions by Mr Brown and Mr Clegg too little to late and merely an attempt to save their own butts?

It is alleged that ex Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell claimed almost £10,000 to redecorate a flat, but he said the expenditure on a top designer for the rented London property had been in "the spirit of the rules". Is it true and if so will or won't he be flattened by Mr Clegg's 'ton of bricks'?

So, let's all start pleading for example in a defence to a speeding ticket that my speed of 45mph in a 40 limit was in "the spirit of the rules" and benefit abuse claimants pleading that their claim was in "the spirit of the rules". I guess that we all know where that would get us - nowhere.

Is it the minority or is it the majority of MPs that seem to be 'ethically bankrupt' at present?

So, where do we go next with this one?

This week a close friend has resigned from the Labour Party after many many years of membership over the MPs expenses debacle. Perhaps more of us need to find our own relevant ways to protest and show our disdain for their conduct.

How do we return to an acceptable level of ethical behaviour in public life in this country? Edward de Bono help required please?

So as before any comments please or indeed any cries of rubbish or simply just "shut up".