The distasteful debate about Hague's personal life must cease. He has answered the rumours, let him get on with the job he was asked to do.
-
12 hours 52 min ago
Blog archive
- June 2010 (4)
- May 2010 (6)
- April 2010 (13)
- March 2010 (8)
- February 2010 (8)
- January 2010 (8)
- December 2009 (5)
- November 2009 (10)
- October 2009 (16)
- September 2009 (7)
- August 2009 (11)
- July 2009 (10)
- June 2009 (15)
- May 2009 (17)
- April 2009 (30)
- March 2009 (21)
- February 2009 (16)
- January 2009 (11)
- December 2008 (9)
- November 2008 (15)
- October 2008 (20)
- September 2008 (7)
- August 2008 (13)
- July 2008 (15)
- June 2008 (14)
- May 2008 (11)
- April 2008 (11)
- March 2008 (9)
- February 2008 (11)
- January 2008 (6)
I used to vote Labour but do not trust them anymore. Blair promised a referendum on Europe, now have gone back on their word.
Tags
David Laws' resignation
Sun, 30/05/2010 - 11:23 — David
There has already been much debate about the resignation of David Laws and will no doubt be much more, but let's not allow this to become about his sexuality. The reason he has resigned is because he broke the rules on claiming expenses. It is right that he resigned and that he did so quickly. I am sure he deeply regrets what he did, especially as it need never have happened, but it has nothing to do with him being gay.
What I am irritated about is the likes of Peter Tatchell trying to make this some sort of scandal concerning his private life, while others claim there is a whiff of homophobia in all this. That is simply untrue thus far. It is easy for the likes of Tatchell to say the man should have been open and honest about his sexuality but as far as I am aware he has not lied about his private life and it is a personal matter for him. Many people are open about their sexuality and it is certainly a lot easier to do so. But if he is breaking no laws, it is nobody's business. Where it is our business is where he has breached the regulations. For that reason, I welcome his resignation even though I am certain he will be greatly missed at the highest level of government.
Bookmark/Search this post with:
Delicious
Digg
StumbleUpon
Reddit
Facebook
Technorati
Comments
David Laws - Regrettable
You make some valid points, the least of which is why Peter Tatchell is sticking his nose in. Mind you, Mr Tatchell's main agenda has always been Peter Tatchell. An irritating little busybody if ever there was one.
I checked out your website this morning because, I admit, of the homosexuality question. I think you did very much the right thing and came straight out with your orientation, so this News of the World type "scandal" could never be directed at you. Very Wise, and I wanted to see your view on this.
Personally, I feel very sorry for Mr Laws. As I understand it he kept himself to himself in the private way that is so very English, not least in consideration for his parents. I can't fault the man for that. He wanted to keep his private life, private. Regrattably being catapulted (probably very unexpectedly) into the front bench made that impossible for him.
Iain Duncan-Smith commented this morning that although he had not known Mr Laws until the coalition fused, he subsequntly found him a very talented and personable individual, and it must be a loss to the Government that he has (unquestionably the right decision) resigned from his post.
Regrettble that even in 2010 the question of a persons sexuality should still arouse such bile, you commented during the campaign that you had found no issue with this, and maybe if Mr Laws had considered it, he would not be in the situation he is today.
I take a small issue with you regarding the expenses question.
The biggest gripe the general public had with the whole expenses question was the perception that MP's were feathering their own nests with public money. I'm sorry but bath plugs, moats, and Duck Houses do not come into the same category IMHO as a man who was (If we believe him, and I do) trying to hide his sexuality for fear of his parents, public opinion, and his peer group. You must have considered this impasse yourself.
In that regard, of course you are right that the substantial offence is being economical with the truth, and the price has been paid.
The only shame Mr Laws should feel is that he felt he needed to hide.
I am a hetrosexual man, I cannot state that I understand homosexuality, I don't and probably never will, a closed book, but the first part of being a man is being human, and as a Human, and incidentally a Catholic, I dispair at the continuation of man's inhumanity to man.
Give the guy a break.
Nick, as so often, talks good
Nick, as so often, talks good sense. I have always been open about my sexuality precisely because it's nothing to be ashamed of but if I were to keep it secret some might (I say might) try to suggest there's something behind my decision to keep it entirely secret.
The expenses aspect of David Laws is a matter of honesty. He should not have claimed housing costs if they were being channelled to his partner - male or female. That was the resignation issue, not his sexuality. Should he be ashamed that he tried to keep it private? No. But he probably now realises he did not need to.
Finally, Nick, your observation about man's inhumanity to man is the most important point in all of this. It's worth us all examining our actions towards one another and the judgements we make without the authority or the moral superiority.
Post new comment