The problem with parliament at the minute is that too many MP’s have been drawn from a narrow section of society specifically form the law and form closeted occupations.

MP’s should not be permitted to keep an involvement in their practices and MP’s in business with directorships.

The job of MP should be the only and job that Member of Parliament has.

I would go further and say that no MP should hold a seat in any regional assembly or parliament. There are obvious conflicts of interests.

We have the situation here in Northern Ireland that nearly every MP is a member of the assembly and some have ministerial jobs and they are also local councillors.

If being an MP is a full time job how can they do 3and ½ jobs, 1 job 1 person.

There is too much self promotion of MP’s

If the person who is thinking of standing for parliament does not like the wages and perks they will get then they are not the person for the job.

If they need to subsidise their MP’s salary with other jobs, then obviously they are only becoming and MP with a view of what’s in it for them instead if what they can do for us.

Also, if full-time politics removes MPs from their constituencies then how can they justify also holding jobs at the same time – thereby compounding the problem?

It is healthy for MPs to have outside interests as long as they do not conflict with their parliamentary role. It should not be difficult to resolve this, but because the current set of MPs are comfortable they will never do anything which radically changes it.

When it comes to running a business, I think all PPCs should have to declare what their other activities are and how much time they consume. MPs only have to declare their second job titles as far as I’m aware, but no details are given to the electorate on which they can make a decision on whether their MP puts their time into their constituents and party or not. That’s why I think the situation at the moment is not acceptable.

One way round it is to allow a spouse or family member to operate a business that you fund through parliamentary expenses from your home.

The MP remains off the books but the web site and literature runs .. Mrs Bill Quango phd, wife of the noted parliamentarian Bill Quango MP who campaigns tirelessly for {lets say} British Farmers … .

“Sensimatic Slurry Consultation Solutions can unlock the potential of your business. With unparalleled access to EU decision makers..etc

Better the way it is.. but I may be biased.

I must admit I’m rather tempted by the idea of putting some form of cap on outside earnings to prevent people taking the p*** with any second jobs. Newspaper columns don’t earn people that much but directorships and executive positions will clearly distract from their focus on being an MP.

I’m not necessarily saying MPs should be allowed/encouraged to do other work, I’m just saying.