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It is now quite clear to even the most politically blurred in vision and opaque in intellect, that the Opposition is not serious about the nation’s business. The obvious proclivity for intemperance, rubbishing rules and petty performance is now the hallmark and habit of their elected members.
It is clear that the “newer” set of MPs are either following the lead of their seasoned and senior colleagues, or many have arrived armed with an overly significant sense of self importance. There are 63 Members of Parliament, all elected to represent the interests of their constituents on the floor of Gordon House.
It appears, by virtue of public utterances and foolish disclosure, that some believe a rite of passage and pride of place puts them above the Standing Orders that govern sittings. Some have questioned the willingness of the House Speaker to demand rules be followed, seeing it as disrespect, disdain and downright distasteful. They have hit back with defiance, declaring and demanding the right to speak when they choose to, say what they want and how they want. Somehow, there is a notion that being sent by constituents creates freedom on a frolic.
It is sad that so many are as familiar with the average and typical Standing Orders as a cow is with drinking scotch. The unapologetic rants and ravings aimed at getting ratings by rebellion and rejection of rules is fascinating. It is as if they believe the House Speaker is inventing rules as she goes along, and even after citing said rules, is seen as an oppressive, biased and power hungry person.
The very worst part in all of this is how much their constituents are laughed at and taken for granted. There is no way reasonably possible for thousands of people to choose John Brown or Mary Smith to sit in parliament, then watch them stage a walkout like proudly petulant children. As soon as things don’t seem to be going their way, the now expected response is a walkout. Do they really believe THAT is what their constituents bargained for when making a choice?
The nation’s business is serious business and we are living in the most serious of times. I recently heard the LOO speaking about the failure to have a report tabled according to his defined timeline. He stoutly stated that the failure to so do was “…affecting the democracy of the country, the governance of the country…”. I found it laughable at best and hypocritical at the very least.
How can you consistently lead people on a walkout because you don’t get what you want? On behalf of the constituents, isn’t this the true meaning of abandoning the duties of a Member of Parliament, affecting democracy, and certainly a slap in the face of good governance?
I strongly suggest the application of testicular fortitude, void of egotistical and emotional expressions, and that the Opposition remain to defend and demand the people’s business be a priority. This ever present predictability of a walkout serves no national good, no constituency development, no community concern, and shows an unrepentant disregard for those who put them there.
It is time the Opposition members take their heads out of their most prominent sitting place and “put the people first”. That is, if they even remember a time when that was a punchline. The focus must always be on representation, not rabble rousing and rebellion. The more it happens is the less those who voted will feel counted, and ultimately, the less counted the votes will be.
