Clubbed together
AS the controversy which has engulfed Henry McLeish proves,
yet again, it is rarely the dirty deed which causes a politician’s downfall, but
the cover-up.
Mr McLeish has belatedly recognised this harsh fact of political life and has
today promised to make a full and frank disclosure of all his expenses dating
back 14 years.
His sudden burst of openness owes as much to his desperate bid to cling on to
power as it does to his honesty, and the fact remains that if he had opened his
books for inspection as soon as this story broke then the Scottish Executive
would not now be facing its biggest crisis since its inception.
Of course his new tactic may not be enough to guarantee his survival. His
seemingly cavalier approach to public money has damaged his reputation, perhaps
beyond repair and even if he clings on, his inept handling of the affair has
left him vulnerable. It is looking increasingly unlikely that Mr McLeish will
lead Labour into the 2003 elections.
This sordid little affair has damaged more that Mr McLeish’s reputation however.
It has confirmed the public’s suspicion that politicians can’t be trusted.
That’s why the move to extend the members’ register of interest to include
non-financial interests such as membership of voluntary organisations and
professional bodies is most welcome.
This would bring MSPs into line with other public servants such as councillors,
who are already subject to strict disclosure rules. It would also protect MSPs
as they could not be accused of anything untoward if all dealings with outside
bodies were a matter of public record.
But this move should not be used as a crude tactic simply to expose those MSPs
who are Freemasons. Over the years there has been much hysterical speculation
about Masons exerting undue influence in the public sphere and suggestions that
they use their positions of authority to help each other, often against the
interests of the organisation for which they work.
But as with most bogeymen, there is little truth in the caricature of
Freemasonry so beloved of comics and conspiracy theorists. These days there are
probably more deals struck and influential friends made on the golf course or in
the health club than in dingy Masonic halls.
Certainly MSPs should not be afraid to let their outside interests be opened up
to scrutiny, but if Freemasons are to be dragged out of the closet, then
membership of other clubs and societies should come under the same spotlight.
Edinburgh Evening News
6th November 2001