To a small extentBut the fact that he a) chaired a group trying to get MPs totally exempt from FoI requests and b) started attacking in the Commons those MPs who were pushing hard for the expenses figures to be released mean that he clearly isn't suitable for the job. I'm sure some MPs have been calling for his head just to make it appear that they're 'doing something' about the expenses issue, but he's not a blameless scapegoat.
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Cassius Kray floats like a butterfly, stings like a trout,
Wed 20 May 2009, 9:42,
archived)
His reaction and manner towardsKate Hoey was nothing short of disraceful and insolent.
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Redsushi! Whoop! Whoop! Yes, that one!,
Wed 20 May 2009, 9:46,
archived)
^ this. "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem"...is surely the nub of this case: Martin was boss of the Fees Office, and he has -- by the accounts that have come out -- used his considerable powers to obstruct efforts to sort out the crazy mess of MP's expenses rules.
This cess-pit has been whiffing since 2004 (Derek Conway) at least, and instead of urgently working on cleaning it up, Martin has been trying to cover it up.
(This cess-pit has been whiffing since 2004 (Derek Conway) at least, and instead of urgently working on cleaning it up, Martin has been trying to cover it up.
Bee Nice |-|,
Wed 20 May 2009, 12:20,
archived)