Quote:
Originally Posted by jolinar of malkshor
Just because it is a tradition...doesn't mean it is a good one. Just like the senate and patronage appointments.
It is only fair to the electorate that if someone wishes to leave a party, they sit as an independent.
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I suppose so... I agree not all tradition in Westminster is good.
However,
1) We have responsible government. That means when we elect an MP, we entrust our power to them and give them the flexibility to act within their own discretion while in Parliament. If an MP decides another party would be a more effective vehicle for their values and beliefs, than they should be allowed to cross.
I do have a big problem with MPs, like Stronach and Emerson, crossing for positions of power. Crossing MPs should not be allowed to take Cabinet portfolios or positions as Parliamentary Secretaries.
2) The Commons is a very confrontational arena. Both sides, Opposition and Government, are constantly trying to upset and derail the other. In a minorit government, the government must have the possibility of gaining strategic advantage through the crossing of an opposition MP.