The Great British Member of Parliament

Many of you - in the UK and elsewhere - will be reading with relish the details of British MPs expenses claims .... after all we all love a political scandal.

But there is a lesson for us. It is arguable that the real reason behind this current situation is the fact that successive governments have tried to artificially keep MPs salaries low - whilst maintaining an appropriate level of remuneration. The result - a system that hides 'pay' as expenses and allowances.

Such subterfuge often comes home to roost - as it has done here.

The answer. Take the difficult decisions when you have to. Take the PR hit when it occurs. Transparency might give you a problem - but nothing compared to the problem when your lack of transparency is uncovered.