PeteBrant

Is hypocrisy in politics unavoidable? - Telegraph

So, on Radio 4 this morning, they said how despite Jack Straw and Jacqui Smith along with various other cabinet ministers, whilst fully supporting Post Office closures in the commons, are joining demonstrations against closures in thier own constituencies.

Jacqui Smiths spokesman even said this morning that whilst Mrs Smith fully support the need fro closures, they perfectly right to represent thier local constituents in arguing a case for that particular post office to stay open.

So it's alright for some other part of the country to be deprived of a post office so long as you're alright Mrs Smith? Man, the Labour party just turn more and more Tory everyday

Who reckons that even one post office will close in a ministers constituency, or, a contituency with a very small majority

The Zohan

Any decent self respecting politican put in that situation would have to resign due to the conflict. How NL to come out with this spin. you cannot hunt with the houds and run with the foxes it just does not work.

Whilst you knock the tories it would have been good if NL had learned from the mistakes and sleaze of the last tory government after all they had long enough to do so. they had every opportunity to make a better britain instead of just lining up at the trough.

SJ_Skyline

Bunch of NIMBYs

lozgti

How come every post office you ever go in,big or small they are choc a block with people?

Why are they so keen to ditch them?

Clarebabes

Inefficiency and probably don't make enough money to justify their existence, never mind the public service they offer.

I find it amazing the Government made the elderly get bank accounts for their pensions, but then, every Thursday, they queue up and withdraw it all anyway. If old people used debit cards like they were supposed to be used, then we wouldn't have half the queues!

Went into the PO for a passport form and a driving licence form yesterday. Passport forms are in the foyer, whilst driving licence ones are behind the counter! WTF? Have to queue up for an hour to pick up a form?? You're having a laugh.

OllyK

And there in lies the problem of party politics, the conflict between towing the party line and actually representing the views and wishes of your constituents. The sooner we move to an independant parliament the better. Can't see it happening though.

PeteBrant

Indeed, I hate party politics with a passion. But like you say it's not going to change any time soon.

David Lock

It seems reasonable to me for these Ministers to campaign for their own Post Offices and try and get them off the closure list but maintaining that some will have to go in the overall scheme of things.

What would have been a no-no if whoever finalises the list keeps open some Post Offices in "certain constituencies".

Personally I would be happy to subsidise more of them and retain the character of village life which is difficult to put a price on. dl

Hanley

I think most old people don't trust technology or banks and prefer to keep hold of their money.

I don't think we can blame them in todays society, ID theft, card skimming etc so I think it's a little unfair that we force them to adapt to the technology to make your life easier picking up a form.

The obvious answer is to put the forms where they are easily accessible without the need to queue with the old folk.

Leslie

As Pete said-Hypocrisy rules OK!

Les

Luminous

iTrader: (3)

Not necessarily true. There was a proposed closure up here where the couple that ran the Post Office offered to do it for free. I say proposed closure, as even with the offer of running the shop for free they still closed it

Its politics, plain and simple.

Martin2005

I'd love you to quantify that sweeping statement

Klaatu

Initially yes, politicians are in the business (Of lies) for their constituents. But then they get too used to the trip on the gravy train.

Leslie

You seem to have an ingenuous trust in politicians!

Les

Prasius

iTrader: (1)

Politicians - lying, creepy, self-interested, self-promoting, spineless, wastes of oxygen.

IMO.



As it is, the only time I ever go into the post office is when I get my road tax, and I can do that online if I had too, so close them for all I care. Its not like our postal service has done anything than go downhill over the last 15 - 20 years.

Dan W

Labour-hypochrisy? obviously