A Balls-up by PM

DAVID Cameron’s assertion that facing Ed Balls in Parliament was “like having someone with Tourette’s sitting opposite you” was ill-judged. However, it was not malicious – the Prime Minister’s father and son, who have both passed away in recent years, were disabled and Mr Cameron, as Tory leader, has done much to develop policy in this sphere.

Nevertheless, his remarks were a sad reflection of Prime Minister’s Questions – and how this 30-minute session brings out the worst in our politicians. Far from being a forum for mature scrutiny that was once the envy of the democratic world, it is now a case of who can shout the loudest – and which leader can slip-in the most caustic pre-scripted remarks about their opposite number.

That Mr Balls, the combative Shadow Chancellor and West Yorkshire MP, is tireless in making himself heard above the din can be interpreted in one of two ways – either he is exasperated at Mr Cameron’s ability to dodge difficult questions or he is frustrated that his boss, Ed Miliband, is failing to make a mark.

What is certain, however, is that PMQs now symbolises the public’s disenchantment with contemporary politics. Why? Too many politicians failing to listen, or treating their opponents with respect, or, in many instances, both.