Reform can start tomorrow

Throughout the 20th century, and certainly in my lifetime, the Speaker of the House of Commons was always a considerable parliamentarian  respected on all sides of the House. Then in 2000 MPs decided that social engineering should supercede common sense, so they by-passed the obvious merits of Gwyneth Dunwwody and Sir George Young in favour of someone who still wants to fight the class war.

From day one Michael Martin was clearly inadequate but MPs convinced themselves that the machinery of office and a certain amount of goodwill would take care of the rough edges. I don't suppose they dreamed that the job would require some real leadership qualities. Quite disturbing really and on a par with putting people into ministerial roles who only have wannabe credentials.He has been, and remains, an obstacle to reform. Reform is going to be complicated enough as it is without this antedeluvian roadblock. He must go now, not next year. He ha done nothing to deserve the reward of a peerage and if Brown tries to pull this stunt i will only bring Parliament further into disrepute.