Despite the Prime Minister’s best table thumping, the so-called ‘cash
for questions’ affair is unlikely to be laid to rest quickly, to the
chagrin of all concerned.
Since abandoning its libel case against the Guardian last week, IGA has
largely disintegrated in a welter of bad publicity (although Ian Greer
still vigorously denies the allegations). But, however dramatic the
fall-out for one firm, this is a matter which affects all lobbyists. If
it is not resolved satisfactorily, it could wrongly lead people to
assume that lobbyists routinely pay politicians for political favours.
That is emphatically not the case.
These allegations must be investigated, and lobbyists must be seen to
stand up for their profession - which is a perfectly legitimate, and
desirable, part of the democratic process.
