CNJ COMMENT - Politicians really must think their decisions through

ONE highlight of the rather restrained questioning of Rupert Murdoch on Tuesday: His admission that he visited No 10 Downing through the “back door” and that Alastair Campbell had overseen Tony Blair’s controversial visit to him before the 1997 election.

Another at the softly-softly questioning of Rebekah Brooks on the same day:  That she was a “friend” of the Prime Minister.

Yet another at PMQs yesterday (Wednesday) when David Cameron refused to answer whether in conversations at Chequers with Rebekah Brooks or James Murdoch any mention had been made of News International’s attempt to take-over BSkyB. Nothing “inappropriate” had been said, replied Mr Cameron. And that can mean whatever you want it to mean. Moreover, he repeatedly refused to name the company that had vetted the employment of Andy Coulson. Was there such a company?

But credit to the PM for the way he smoothly handled the bear-baiting by the Opposition.

Here in Camden politics moves less frenetically and, in general, more honestly. Partly because councillors  are much closer to their constituents.  Partly because their decision-taking carries less risk.

As for corruption there has been little of it over the decades in the borough – and this one would expect of a council whose staff, down the years, have been exemplary.

In contrast to the scandal over MPs’ expenses and the cronyism with the Murdoch empire, Camden councillors can produce a relatively clean sheet.

But there are times when councillors fail – as MPs repeatedly fail – to think through the social impact legislation can have on the average person.

Or that of decisions that take Britain to war, as in  Iraq.  Politicians can make “inspiring” speeches but it is our soldiers who have to do the dying.

Nothing illustrates better this failure of councillors than the move to sell-off council owned workshops in Carol Street, Camden Town. 

Far too many residents and traders only learnt of the council’s intentions months after the councillors had begun to talk about them at committee meetings.

Following last night’s cabinet meeting involving the mass sale of public buildings to bolster the council’s fragile budget, councillors now have the opportunity to carry out proper consultations in different parts of the borough. 

If they don’t, they will make a mockery of good local governance. And they will have to bear the flak of angry residents.

Our advice is that they should vigilantly monitor the leafleting and communication systems used by officials. Admittedly, these are difficult to manage and have often proved inadequate.

Published: 21 July, 2011