Is it a Ripe Time to Discuss Parliamentary Code of Ethics?

Mike Peyrefitte

In reiterating the point that the opposition is not concerned with the minister’s personal life, the U.D.P. Chairman also spoke to the need for decorum, as well as moral standards to be upheld by persons elected or appointed to parliament.

Mike Peyrefitte, Chairman, United Democratic Party

“If this particular minister committed adultery or whatever, we‘re not interested in that, that‘s a family personal matter, we‘re not interested in anything about that.  We‘re concerned about accusations of predatory behavior and accusations of threat to people, that people are expressing, that‘s what we‘re interested in.  We‘re interested in crimes, we‘re not interested in personal indiscretions.  That‘s not our business, that‘s a personal matter for them to deal with it that way, that‘s why I want to say that.  And when you say, PUDP ministers of average interest, you have to name names, you know, because it‘s not all of us, it‘s not all of us at all who attain certain positions in government who feel the need to express themselves that way because they‘re excited at this newfound interest in themselves.  It‘s not all of us that suffered that, it‘s not all of us that suffer that.  So you cannot say or paint it with a broad brush that says it‘s everybody.  And yes, I agree that this could be a ripe time for a code of ethics, a code of conduct to say, look, if you agree or accept to enter public life where you‘re enjoying the resources paid by the public to you, then there‘s a certain expectation of your behavior.  There‘s a certain expectation as to how you carry yourself and what you do.”