I think the most important failing of our MPs is indeed their (with some notable exceptions) lack of "real-world" experience.
For those of my vintage, the likes of Jack Straw and Peter Hain first painted on the radar as "student activists" in the 60s and 70s, so were the vanguard of those who had never had a proper job.
I guess the last PM to qualify was John Major - no O' Levels but got to be a Bank Manager - quite an achievement then - so he must have had something!
And the blessed Margaret invented Mr Whippy!
Fortunately my MP - and a Minister - worked in industry for nearly 20 years before becoming an MP in his early 40s. Not a bad template methinks.....
Last edited by teeteringhead; 2nd Jul 2013 at 07:56.