http://www.pledgebank.com/celebBB Comments on 'write to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards to complain about George Galloway appearing on Celebrity Big Brother' en-gb team@pledgebank.com 1901-01-01T00:00+00:00 2 hourly http://www.pledgebank.com/celebBB#comment_8345 Pooh on all you pontificating prats. Life's short. Get a sense of humour! I know lots of people, young and old, who think George is great. What other politician (or journalist) could stand up to such scrutiny? He's got minor character flaws but generally is proving to be a man of integrity and dignity. I'm not a fan of Reality TV- it's decadent Roman circus fare with the public acting as both audience and lions- but I have tuned in to watch George. He just might win this. Go Galloway,hup ye boyo! http://www.pledgebank.com/celebBB#comment_8132 Sadly, this appears to be just another in a long line of cheap populist stunts this dangerous demagogue has whored himself into. http://www.pledgebank.com/celebBB#comment_8130 What was the old 2 Ronnies joke? A vote to make attendance at the House of Commons compulsory was today defeated by 3 votes to 2... http://www.pledgebank.com/celebBB#comment_8078 George Galloway should be working flat out as much as he possibly can at his constituency, given that he scraped into office with about 800 votes. He should also remember that as an elected MP, he needs to serve the interests of ALL his constituents, regardless of whether they voted for him and regardless of whether they agree with his views on Palestine, Iraq, Nicaragua or any other of his personal pet interests. George should have realised that he would be breaking the MP Code of Conduct by appearing on BB. He should also have been aware that Channel4 would not be able to transmit many of his comments as they would be interpreted as being biased political opinions. And if George says that he was not aware of either of these two things then I think he is unfit to be an MP and that he deserves the Respect of nobody. http://www.pledgebank.com/celebBB#comment_8060 I have signed this pledge. I was against the war and marched against it. However, George Galloway lost any respect (no pun intended) from me thanks to his disgraceful fawning over some of the worst dictators in recent history. MPs should be either in Parliament or in their constituencies, not making fools of themselves on Celebrity Big Brother. http://www.pledgebank.com/celebBB#comment_8043 I will be signing the pledge - just wanted to point out another part of the Parliamentary Code of Conduct that Galloway appears in breach of; more clearly, I think, than some others that have already been mentioned: "Integrity Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties." He has a contract with Channel 4, and this has ensured that he won't be at his constituency surgery, or in the House for up to three weeks. Seems clear cut, Mr Galloway. http://www.pledgebank.com/celebBB#comment_8042 Salim, we're talking about the The Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199697/cmselect/cmstand/688/code.htm as explained and linked to in Hana's explanation of her pledge to write "a letter to the Parliamentary Commissioner." Do try reading what others have said before jumping in. http://www.pledgebank.com/celebBB#comment_8028 "He (or any other MP who chooses to paticipate) is is in blatent disregard for many of the guidlines by appearing on such a show." Which guidelines? I think you refer to party guidelines. GG is the leader of his own party, and almost certain to loose at the next general election. He can do pretty much what he wants to further that party's interests. He probably does stand to gain more through the tawdry media of CBB than the Houses of Parliament. Note that Channel4 seem to have edited out every bit of political content uttered by GG. He has most likely overestimated the value of this soap-box. http://www.pledgebank.com/celebBB#comment_8011 Doesn't all this prove that GG is all about shameless self-promotion?! Now if he was left in that enclosed space with Jeremy Paxman.... then it would be interesting TV!! http://www.pledgebank.com/celebBB#comment_7993 Before any of you have a knee jerk reaction and say that you support / do not support the views of George Galloway please take a moment to read the Code of Conduct. He (or any other MP who chooses to paticipate) is is in blatent disregard for many of the guidlines by appearing on such a show. Whatever your political views, an MP is an important position in this country and should not be treated as a 'celebrity' occupation. http://www.pledgebank.com/celebBB#comment_7989 As a Scotsman, I am appalled and ashamed at the behaviour of Galloway. He may have manipulated a seat in the Commons by appealing to a voting public in that area who feel under-represented. There are unaswered issues there, but it seems clear to me that he is an opportunist of the first magnitude. http://www.pledgebank.com/celebBB#comment_7985 I'm also a constituent of Bethnal Green & Bow, and did not vote for GG. He scraped in using a knee-jerk reaction against the Iraq War, and is using his position as a soap box to spout his opinions to anyone who can be bothered to listen. He is not interested in serving the members of his constituency on essential matters that affect our daily lives. It might not be as exciting as playing to large audiences but it is vital for the community's well-being. I would say that eventually people will realise that GG is suffering from Jeffrey Archer syndrome, and one day his ego will have to burst. http://www.pledgebank.com/celebBB#comment_7982 Dave - of course, MPs spend a fair amount of time away from their constituencies on relevant fact-finding missions. But I would argue that normally they are in constant contact with their staff back in their constituency so they are still aware of what's going on. Given that the Guardian could find absolutely no way of getting hold of GG last Friday, I would consider this a dereliction of duty towards his constituents. (Maybe this is not confined to his spell in the BB house but a general complaint about his lack of interest in constituency affairs...but still, BB can be a hook to hang this criticism on!) This isn't a fact-finding mission (which is anyway relevant work) nor a holiday (which, in any case, GG could take in the long summer recess or any other time) - it is, as you say, truancy from his duties as a serving MP. And I certainly agree that I would like more skiving MPs to be caught out. http://www.pledgebank.com/celebBB#comment_7980 I'd like to make it clear that I don't buy the "constituency clinic" argument. Anne Robinson (who apparently finds GG "charming") said on Andrew Marr's show yeterday that other MPs spend longer than 3 weeks out of the country on fact-finding missions. And she's right. Nor do I begrudge MPs the right to take holidays out of the country. There is often a delay between an MP being approached by a constituent and his or her reply (if any). That is just a fact of life. My objection to GG's appearance on Big Brother is based solely on his non-attendance in the House, which is only excusable (in my view) by more pressing public interest commitments (such as fact-finding, sitting on committees, answering constituents, or ministerial duties). This is truancy, pure and simple, and if this criticism catches on, I hope it can be used as a wedge to place pressure on other skiving MPs. http://www.pledgebank.com/celebBB#comment_7978 I was and still am a supporter of the war in Iraq, so not a fan on gorgeous george because of his biased rhetoric (all in favour of hearing other rational arguements). On this case he should be at his constituency clinics, not courting popular opinion on a third rate tv show http://www.pledgebank.com/celebBB#comment_7928 You may be right regarding whatever GG's 'public interest' arguments may be for going on BB. But I also believe that its quite a serious dereliction of duty to his constituents from someone who's a terrible constituency MP at the best of times. I'm sure you read what was in the Guardian today about this but in case not, it's at http://media.guardian.co.uk/site/story/0,14173,1681224,00.html http://www.pledgebank.com/celebBB#comment_7927 Hana, I'm seriously thinking of signing as I largely agree that GG is in contravention of the clauses of the code you mention. However, I have doubts insofar as he seems to (sincerely, or as close as he gets) believe that he is acting in the interest of the country (by publicising his anti-war message); and in the public interest (because he thinks -- wrongly in my view -- that more young people voted on BB than in the election; therefore he's showing them real democracy). He also isn't gaining material benefits for any individuals (not counting Hamas). I'm pretty sure than merely appearing on BB beaks the "Members shall at all times conduct themselves ..." clause. That seems the most subjective objection and I don't know how much impact a letter I wrote based on that alone would have. NB my objection to GG's appearance isn't based on a particular animus against the man himself, but because I believe that MPs -- like teachers-- get long enough holidays as it is, and anyone who spends time away had better have a bloody good reason. And that goes for all MPs who don't vote as often as they might. (Far too many.) No forget all that, I'll sign. http://www.pledgebank.com/celebBB#comment_7918 This is going to be the political televisual event of the decade. Galloway will triumph or crash & burn. I might actually take an interest in CBB, it's going to be entertaining. :-) I am not going to complain to anybody. http://www.pledgebank.com/celebBB#comment_7911 I think he's breaching the general principles and spirit of public service, and the more specific points: "Members have a general duty to act in the interests of the nation as a whole; and a special duty to their constituents" "Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends." "Members shall at all times conduct themselves in a manner which will tend to maintain and strengthen the public's trust and confidence in the integrity of Parliament and never undertake any action which would bring the House of Commons, or its Members generally, into disrepute." http://www.pledgebank.com/celebBB#comment_7908 He got a pretty slim majority - hardly a mandate. But anyway, it's not like he's been working hard on behalf of his constituents up to now - he's only bothered to turn up for 15% of the votes in the House (of Commons that is, not the Big Brother House) since he's been elected.