Does a politicians private life matter?

tomterm8

michaels wrote: »

This BBC piece notes that Ed Milliband is not named on his child's birth certificate (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11433642). .

Since when does whether you are named on a birth certificate determine whether you have taken responsibility for the child? There are plenty of parents who are named on birth certificates who couldn't give two hoots, and there are plenty of parents who are not named on birth certificates who would die for their children.

vivatifosi

As much as I'm completely underwhelmed by Milliband Jr, I do respect his right to privacy on this matter. It's none of my business whether or not his name's on the birth certificate, whether he is married or any other such matters.

I'm only interested in the private lives of politicians when it looks like they are trying to screw over the public.

A._Badger

vivatifosi wrote: »

As much as I'm completely underwhelmed by Milliband Jr, I do respect his right to privacy on this matter. It's none of my business whether or not his name's on the birth certificate, whether he is married or any other such matters.

I'm only interested in the private lives of politicians when it looks like they are trying to screw over the public.

I think the theory is that the one gives a clue as to the other.

Personally, I've always felt that a man who will betray his wife is just as likely to betray the public.

drc

Absolutely. I am sick of the "do as I say, not as I do" attitude of so many politicians.

vivatifosi

A._Badger wrote: »

I think the theory is that the one gives a clue as to the other.

Personally, I've always felt that a man who will betray his wife is just as likely to betray the public.

I don't see his not being married, or not being on the birth certificate as evidence that he would betray his partner. I wouldn't think very highly of him if he did, but it still wouldn't be any of my business.

I tend to side with the hurt party (generally the politician's wife) in such situations, and to have your private family matters dragged through the press when you are at your most vulnerable must be awful.

StevieJ

A._Badger wrote: »

I think the theory is that the one gives a clue as to the other.

Personally, I've always felt that a man who will betray his wife is just as likely to betray the public.

I had not noticed the bit about him betraying his wife, where was that reported then?

AMILLIONDOLLARS

StevieJ wrote: »

I had not noticed the bit about him betraying his wife, where was that reported then?

He hasn't married her yet, too busy with his political career to slot her in apparently!!

AMD

michaels

Edit: Wasn't necessary or funny

AMILLIONDOLLARS

Taken from his bbc interview

He told Sky: "I have said that we will get married. I said that Copenhagen and the general election and the leadership election got in the way.


AMD

A._Badger

StevieJ wrote: »

I had not noticed the bit about him betraying his wife, where was that reported then?

If you re-read what I wrote, you might realise I wasn't suggesting he had. I was making a general point about the OP's question: "Does a politician's private life matter?'.

I've no views about Milliband's marital situation - though I think the absence of his name from his child's birth certificate might suggest a few things - none of which do him credit.