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December 05, 2008

Don't drink and vote

Alcohol_parliamentMPs grumbling about police searches in the Commons should realise that it could be worse. At least the speaker isn't trying to stop them drinking.

Some Australian politicians are not so lucky. The government of New South Wales has come up with a new way to keep MPs in line: testing them for alcohol them before they vote.

Apparently, things have been a little rowdy down under. One lawmaker was caught dancing in his underwear. Another had to resign after a particularly raucous Christmas Party. MP John Kaye has had enough:

Honestly, if you are going to have breathalyzers for people driving cranes you should have breathalyzers for people writing laws.

Our own politicians are probably safe. After all, British law still dictates that the Chancellor of the Exchequer can have an alcoholic drink while delivering the Budget. And these days it would be a cruel, cruel man who tried to take that right away.

Posted by Alice Fishburn on December 05, 2008 at 10:54 AM in Foreign News | Permalink Bookmark and Share

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I hope the day never comes when they test us in the our lodge for drinking before we vote on anything.

Posted by: denisefentonbc@hotmail.com | 6 Dec 2008 16:12:04

Why not they should be subjected to their own vile little nanny state jackboots as well .
Maybe then the will realise how oppresive this awfull jack booted nanny state legislation really is

Posted by: Mcgraw | 9 Dec 2008 13:59:03

The NSW Premier should go further and demand an IQ test before any member is sworn into office.

Posted by: Peter Murray | 9 Dec 2008 20:40:47

Is Camoron drunk all the time?

Posted by: Alan Davidson | 10 Dec 2008 02:20:37

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