Religion is used to divide the righteous "us" from the evil "them", and that evil can be political, financial or moral. And moral condemnation, sex scandals in politics, just divert attention from the decisions in parliament. Politicians have so much power, and they get it by persuading the elctorate that they are trustworthy. So many buy into the game of claiming to be even MORE trustworthy. and for religious people, of whatever faith, that ofetn involves fingerpointing at the less holy.

But up there in the halls of power, a cocktail of long hours and separation from family, mixed with adoring supporters addicted to the powerful, makes for a heady mix.

Are Christian politicians lining up to denounce those who fall off the path of chastity the same ones who queued up to support George Bush's war in Iraq? Which is the greater desecration?

Someone can be very good at their job, but not personally perfect. Should they have to be? This sort of public confession has been popularised by talk shows, and follows intrusive media comment.