LONDON -- There is understandably a great deal of cynicism about politicians in every country. Their reputation is probably now lower than that of any other profession because they have so often been exposed as liars and/or as corrupt.
When the Labour Party succeeded in taking power in Britain, it did so because the electorate had become disillusioned by the sleaze that had tainted a number of Conservative Party politicians.
Prime Minister Tony Blair promised a new era in politics, but it soon became clear that Labour Party politicians were just as interested as their predecessors in the trappings and perks of politics, from chauffeur-driven cars to ministerial residences and luxury travel.