Lesson to learn

Any ‘factual’ statement made by those in or seeking political office must, upon request similar to freedom of information requests, justify and elaborate on statements they make or be forced to make a very public retraction. Failure to do so would automatically forfeit their eligibility for the role they hold or are seeking.

Politicians would be far more honest if they had to prove their assertions. No more wild claims regarding their positions, every statement needs to stand up to the scrutiny not only of those who support that person but those that don’t. It would soon show up those who play fast and loose with statistics – “Crime is up 10%” – OK, justify it; what was it before and after? It would also force those who embellish and lie to justify themselves to face up to reality, rather than allow them to continue spreading misinformation