Firstly as a former police officer I have to declare an interest - but today has made me wonder why politicians think they're entitled to be treated differently to those they legislate for.
Let's face it this government hasn't exactly resisted new legislation with over 2000 new laws in the past two years. Many via secondary legislation not requiring debate or scrutiny in Parliament.
Today one of Tony Blair's aides was arrested and questioned for allegedly perverting the course of justice. This was related to the alleged sale of pierages. Almost immediately Ministers queried why she was arrested at her home without any prior notice at an early hour? - Do they think Joe Bloggs is asked when his arrest might be convenient? Or is this simply a sign that they are somehow above the laws they are imposing on the rest of us. From what I can see the treatment of this individual is no different from anyone else committing the same offence.
Strange isn't it that when former politicians (Lord) Jeffrey Archer and Jonathan Aitken were arrested for similar matters there was a stoney silence. No similar complaints at that time. I don't suppose that could have anything to do with the fact that they are from the opposing gang?
On a more serious note the emphasis seems to have moved from the original allegations of sold pierages to investigating what could be a subsequent cover-up. I was reminded yesterday that Watergate only led to the political implosion as a result of the cover-up rather than the initial theft. - Some things never change.