At whose expense? COMMENT.

THE major expectation that all voters surely have of their MPs is that they represent the views of their constituents.

To make that possible it is crucial that MPs are drawn from as diverse a group of people as possible from across all communities and backgrounds. The bad old days when only the wealthy could aspire to a seat in Parliament should be long behind us. So it is disappointing to hear that old chestnut being revived in the present continuing saga over MPs' expenses that proposed changes will barr all but the well-off.. Sir Christopher Kelly has produced a review of the expenses system following widespread criticism of alleged abuses by some MPs.

It should come as no surprise that some MPs have attacked his report and seem intent on defending what to many voters seems pretty well indefensible. It is time we had a sensible system which allowed access to Parliament to those who are willing, able and electable. But what we do not need is a system which pays mortgages on second homes which some MPs have then been able to sell on at a profit and some would say, at the taxpayers' expense.

If profits are to be made from the sale of second properties, let that profit return to the taxpayer. Or simply rent accommodation for those who need it to do the job for which they have been elected.