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Do the private lives of politicians matter?

8 December 2009

MPs are frequently in the news for what some would deem the wrong reasons, but should the personal conduct of an MP matter?
  • Should MPs be judged solely on how they perform as a representative to you, the voter?
  • Or should they uphold a high moral standard in their private lives, as well as in their professional conduct?

What is your view on this? Have your say, and debate the issue here on PCS comment, and a selection of the comments will be published in View, the monthly magazine for PCS members.

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  1. Personal lives and professionalism

    6 January 2010

    We should not confuse personal and professional. Yes, there have been MPs who have made monumental foul ups in both their personal and profession careers. When we elect an MP or PM, we elect them and expect them to be professional. This is a basic expectation. If an MP or PM breaks the law in either their professional or personal they should be held accountable. If they keep both their personal lives and professional lives seperate then should it matter - again if the circumstances are illegal then yes, would we elect a convicted criminal as an MP - No we would not. Does it matter if an MP has a messy divorce? not if it does not bring into question their professionalism.

    Lee Ward
    Politicians Private Lives

    20 December 2009

    An MP is no less a private citizen than anyone else; if he/she serves the public and does not try to use their position for personal gain, then what does it matter what they do privately. Obviously there are exceptions, national security (objectively defined), moral decency (paedophilia for example) and other generally accepted 'No's'. But if an MP wishes to visit a gay sauna, or privately utilise consenting adults for sex; or be a part time cross dresser; or legally make money eslewhere which does not utilise his public status, or wants to have a partner 20 years younger/older (for example) then it is no busineess of anyone else. Does he/she represent constituents and the country efficiently/objectively/effectively?? then thats all that matters.

    Alasdair Milne
    Private Lives

    11 December 2009

    There is a danger that we sink into an American type of system where public figues are judged in the media according to some kind of narrow moral standard which is contradictory to the Trade Union principles of Equality & Diversity and is not based on fact but on hearsay or malicious rumour. If no illegal act is committed why should a persons private life be the business of anyone else. Any TU rep who has dealt with the press knows the way facts are mis represented e.g. the way Civil Servants are portrayed by newspapers as having fat cat pensions, when we all know the reality for most staff is different. It's very easy for the press to dig dirt on a persons private life but not easy for the victim to defend.

    Bill Allison
    MP's Standards?

    10 December 2009

    Of course their private lives matter. They are elected by us and they are paid by us - the taxpayer. The decisions that they make effect our lives, and if the expenses scandal is anything to go by then they need careful watching.

    Lin Black
    Keep private lives private

    10 December 2009

    Unless it impacts on national security, public health or public funds everyones private lives should be private. I don't care if someone is a cross dresser with a foot fetish and penchant for bottom smacking, as long as they can do the job they are paid to then why should it matter.

    Anonymous
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