Cheers, DMcG. You saved me a bit of ink there. By the way, I don't think I used the word "qualification" with regard to MPs, implying that they've passed some sort of exam and grabbed themselves a certificate. My point is that we should expect our MPs to be a damn sight more knowledgeable when it comes to the economy and politics than the average voter by dint of their work experiences. On the whole I think they are, and whether or not they've cheated the expenses system or aspire to move onto the gravy train or get £300 per day for snoozing in the Lords has no bearing on that. Teribus is trying to wriggle out of his blunder by going on the attack instead of saying "oops!" Normal!

Saying that they're generally more knowledgeable, by the way, does not imply that they are all honest, trustworthy and not moneygrabbing, before I get accused of claiming that they're all paragons.