I think a lot of the problem with politicians (of all hues) is that we just let them get on with it and don't call them to account or even talk to them enough. This has led to the trend to discredit all politicians and ultimately replace them with non-politicians - simply on the basis that they are 1) not a politician and 2) successful in some other arena. This is a bit like being dissatisfied with your football team and consequently replacing them all with successful librarians, businessmen, singers etc.
