Published: Thursday, 21st May, 2009 9:00am

Leader: We need our faith restored

Comments (0) | Print | Email

THE national news headlines have been dominated by just one story for the past fortnight.

The short-term consequences have spelled acute embarrassment for some of the MPs guilty of abusing the expenses system, and applied the pressure which forced the resignation of the Speaker, Michael Martin.

But the long-term implications of the disclosures will certainly lead to a healthier House of Commons, and will hopefully begin the process of restoring our faith in a political system which has become so discredited that its reputation currently hovers somewhere just beneath contempt.

Inevitably, as one revelation followed another, many were swift to demand the shooting of the messenger. However, most of us will surely acknowledge that without those daily newspaper reports these appalling abuses would not only have remained hidden but would have continued, scandalously unchecked.

Fortunately the Daily Telegraph, like the Chronicle and every other newspaper large and small in this country, was acting in the best traditions of press freedom campaigners down the centuries.

The resources may vary but every newspaper endeavours to remain vigilant. The very presence of a reporter at meetings of even the humblest public body acts as a safeguard against those who might consider taking liberties at the expense of democracy.

That was why the Chronicle was proud to go out and about to meet our readers during Local Newspaper Week.

You came to see us last week, we listened to your advice and concerns, and our reporters are investigating the story ideas you gave us.

This is your newspaper and we know our duty.