Equal Opportunities

The departure of Sir Menzies Campbell as leader of the Liberal Democrat party this week is a clear indication that ageism is alive and kicking in British politics. From the beginning to the end of his curtailed reign, Mr Campbell was ridiculed by opposition MP's and members of the media because of his 'senior' age. It was the general opinion that he lacked the youth, energy, and vigour required to take his party forward.

The question I would pose is this: does experience, knowledge, and wisdom count for nothing in modern times? Following an appearance on the BBC's 'Question Time' two weeks ago I was struck by the way Mr Campbell answered questions intelligently while other, younger panelists fumbled to 'spin' an opinion poll boosting answer. Mr Campbell was sitting alongside Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Transport, George Osborne, Conservative shadow chancellor, and a particularly slimy Ian Hislop, editor of Private Eye. Where as Mr Campbell was able to answer questions on all subjects with authority, both Kelly and Osborne struggled to cope with topics outwith their respective fields; the former consistently making errors with figures and dates, the latter, in general, regurgitating a summary of the answer supplied by Mr Campbell.

There is no doubt that politicians have a difficult and demanding job. Yes, it requires energy and fresh ideas, but more importantly it requires experience and knowledge. It is sad, in these times of political correctness and equal opportunities, that politics in the UK is being found out as lagging behind other work sectors: Sir Menzies Campbell is a clear victim of ageism.