Our parliament cannot be silenced

WHEN a person stands for election to any forum they can expect a considerable degree of scrutiny. Their objectives are questioned. Their record and abilities are examined in an intrusive and unforgiving way. If they have skeletons in the cupboard, even very small ones, they will be dragged into the full, merciless glare of public judgment and criticism.

If a person offers themselves for election to a national parliament that process is even more relentless.

Not only do their peers assess them, their political opponents are happy to undermine them in more or less any legal way.