A good age to be an MP

Gayle · 18-06-2009, 12:54

We touched on the subject earlier by someone noting that PB is 59 and that perhaps people should be considering retiring at that age rather than taking on a more grueling job. But, surely, with age comes experience and knowledge that is invaluable. Plus the voting public is usually more mature and so would want to vote for someone similar to themselves in many ways i.e. someone who has a shared history, common ground.

But with youth comes enthusiasm and energy - it's well known that politicians work hard and are on call 24/7 so youthful energy is needed. Would an older person run out of steam by lunchtime on Wednesday? But young people don't have the life experiences, how would an older member of the public relate to a young MP?

Questions, questions, so what do you think is the optimum age to be standing for parliament?

cashman · 18-06-2009, 13:00

i reckon 40s is my own preference. not too old, not too young.

notice you aint made yer mind up gayle......... typical woman. lol

Margaret Pilkington · 18-06-2009, 13:08

I also think the early 40's...you have had a chance to gain some life experience......and usually are more comfortable in your own skin (not searching for who you are anymore).....have usually developed the confidence to challenge ideas and values....and are not afraid to speak up for what you believe in.
Most 40 year olds have an abundance of energy......and of course enthusiasm......enthusiasm is what makes others want to emulate you.

Gayle · 18-06-2009, 13:11

But, and I'm just playing devils advocate here, is it a bit of a cop out to pick 40s because it's just in the middle?

I know I put it as an option and I suspect most people will go for it but is it neither one thing or the other - trying to hedge your bets sort of choice?

nicola68 · 18-06-2009, 13:12

I have to agree with cashy... 40's is about the right age, still young enough to be able to relate to the new and younger voters while having the life experience and physical capabilities to cope with the pressures that parliamentary life brings......

Another Greg Pope would suit me fine......

Are you thinking of throwing your hat into the ring Gayle....?? you would definitely get my vote.........

Gayle · 18-06-2009, 13:17

When Greg got his seat he was 32, he was born in 1960 and got his seat in 1992.

So would you want another Greg as he is now i.e. 49? or would you want someone 32 like he was when he got in?

Margaret Pilkington · 18-06-2009, 13:18

No Gayle if it had not been included in the poll, then I would have suggested in my post........for all the reasons that I have posted in that post.
Having said that I think you have to take the person into consideration too.......some people are not old at Seventy, and some are old fogeys at 30.........mental attitude to age has to be a factor.
And while mental agility does deteriorate with age, I know some folk who are past 80 and nothing gets past them.

I also think that physical energy is required to be a good representative........I know that being an MP isn't on a par with being a brick layer, but all that travelling and constituency work must be tiring.

Tealeaf · 18-06-2009, 13:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gayle

But with youth comes enthusiasm and energy - it's well known that politicians work hard and are on call 24/7 so youthful energy is needed. Would an older person run out of steam by lunchtime on Wednesday? But young people don't have the life experiences, how would an older member of the public relate to a young MP?

Questions, questions, so what do you think is the optimum age to be standing for parliament?

Wherever did you get the idea that politicians work hard? They may well work hard at filling in their expenses sheets but for those of us who know the meaning of work then the life of a politician is a relative doddle. And why do you think intellectual energy is only available to the kids?

Assuming an election later on this year, the ideal age for an MP is 53.

Gayle · 18-06-2009, 13:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicola68

Another Greg Pope would suit me fine......

Are you thinking of throwing your hat into the ring Gayle....?? you would definitely get my vote.........

Thanks for the vote of confidence although if you want another Greg and then you say you'd be happy with me, should I be offended? I can think of one or two difference between me and Greg.

Gayle · 18-06-2009, 13:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealeaf

Assuming an election later on this year, the ideal age for an MP is 53.

And how have you come to this reasoned decision? Are you 53 by any chance? Do you reckon you could do any better - if so, then by all means go for it, I'd love to hear your manifesto.

Margaret Pilkington · 18-06-2009, 13:22

Gayle there are bound to be differences......Vive la Difference.

Different doesn't mean less good.

I'm sure if Greg had decided to carry on for a few more years he would have got the support.......but as he has chosen to do something different then we have to accept that.
And I would be another one who would support you Gayle if you decided to throw your hat into the ring.

Tealeaf · 18-06-2009, 13:24

If Gayle stood as an independent for Hyndburn, I'm quite sure (given the current political turmoil) that she would win. She would certainly have my vote (If I had one in Hyndburn) if only to see an end to the sort of nonsense we had on tuesday afternoon.

nicola68 · 18-06-2009, 13:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gayle

When Greg got his seat he was 32, he was born in 1960 and got his seat in 1992.

So would you want another Greg as he is now i.e. 49? or would you want someone 32 like he was when he got in?

I would say midway between those ages, late 30's(38/39) to early 40's (43/44).... I wouldn't discount someone at 32 but I think it depends on the background of the person......

nicola68 · 18-06-2009, 13:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gayle

Thanks for the vote of confidence although if you want another Greg and then you say you'd be happy with me, should I be offended? I can think of one or two difference between me and Greg.

Of course you are different and I can think of at least one difference!

I am happy with the way that Greg has served the borough over the years, so that is why I said another Greg would suit me fine....but I also remember your political aspirations a few years ago.... I also think you would be a excellent representitive for the borough.... the right age, more importantly female, dynamic and I'm sure someone the younger voters would be happy with .......

Less · 18-06-2009, 14:11

Only Curious but, how old was Churchill when he took on his rather responsible task?

Surely it shouldn't be about age, it should be about ability, the man for the job, there at the right time and able to carry the work through no matter what.

Earlier in his life he made monumental mistakes but when needed he seemed to manage o.k.

It should not be a question of age as much as capability for doing the job, the 59 year old that people are thinking about isn't capable of much responsibility, there again neither am I.

At least I know it.