How honourable is the honours system.....

....reforms to which, it is reported, are about to be 'considered' by the dishonourable?


According to the Daily Telegraph, Sir Christopher Kelly, the chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life has decided to intervene in the debate about the debasement of honours, especially in cases where those who have made substantial donations to a political party of their choice benefit. If Kelly believes that a change to political donations will solve anything; that the honours system is not tainted and that it is democracy and the integrity of the system that is damaged, then he truly is in cloud-cuckoo land - which on reflection he is anyway, being a member of the 'Westminster Bubble'. One would venture the suggestion that he is also a tad behind the times if he believes that the practice of rewarding donors to political parties risks bring the honours system into disrepute - hell, it has been for yonks! Have not party leaders created peerages purely to bolster their party's numbers in the House of Lords? Have not people been honoured for working to enlarge and promote a system of foreign government for our nation? Is not an honours system tainted by those, who may be beneficiaries at some point in the future, being responsible for any reforms?


People who get paid beyond their ability are in the wrong, says Cameron in his New Year message; a statement that is most pertinent where he and the vast majority of the political class are concerned. It is because that principle has prevailed within the world of politics that the honours system is tainted. Repeating myself, it is because the position of politician is considered a career that requires a salary and perks is another reason why the honours system is tainted. Until politicians are 'employed' on an expenses only basis; on a part-time basis, immediately answerable to the will of the people; only then will politicians be free of outside 'pressures' and only then when any honours system is outside their control and input will such a system become untainted.


And only when we have a system of democracy based on direct democracy will we have a political system - and an honours system - worthy of being held up to the rest of the world as a model to follow.


Oh and the problem of a state broadcasting company that is anything but impartial would also be fixed'!