Order! Clampdown on boozing in British parliament

"...criticism of MPs knocking back subsidised booze at the expense of taxpayers at a time of austerity measures."

British politicians/public servants getting drunk on tax-payer money... US government organization (GSA) spends US$800 thousand-plus of tax-payer money on a party...

Japan wants to raise the consumption tax to 10% without cutting off any of the political pork....

Average person hoping and praying to keep their job and pay their mortgage. Happy Golden Week.

Politics is fast becoming a game to those who are elected to govern. The blame lies solely with the apathetic population who are too busy watching some sports channel to take an interest in what is happening in their country. We now have a hardcore group of politicians who rule without fear of being voted out and are supported by a political machine that ensures they stay in place.

@Riffraff. I share your cynicysm regarding politicians. I believe the root of the problem is lifetime politicians. Do you see any merit in a civic movement demanding term limits for politicians like the US has for presidents? Do you think such a movement would gain traction in Japan? Maybe it's time to serious consider using the current technology to organize a non-violent-yet-effective movement that will change this system. Seriously, what do you think?

Churchill drank at least a bottle of brandy a day and a couple of bottles of wine still managed to keep Britain going in 1940 Britain - Ulysses Grant drank heavily and won the Civil War.

Sobriety is no guarantee of competence

Chavs in high places, and all that.

@bellsmyre49. "Sobriety is no guarantee of competence."

You're missing the point; I don't care if politicians drink 'til they're blind, screw sheep or eat cake as long as it's not done with tax money during a horrible economic crisis.