To answer my own question. Its easy to be as cynical as the likes of ALTRAV when it comes to politicians, believing they are only there to line their own pockets etc. Generally that attitude comes from people who are used to doing exactly that, or wished they could, but circumstance does not allow. As the 'Old Man' would say; "Its only a rort son, when you're not in on it", for some that's true. We're had crooked politicians, no doubt about that, Eddie Obeid is a shining example of such. Having worked with, and known many politicians, and aspiring ones, over many years, from all sides, I must say the vast majority are decent people who care about others, and truly want to make a difference. For most, and that's the majority, those who are not the PM or Premier, or a Minister of the Crown, 99% of politics is about the mundane, its their daily job. One thing an idealistic newbie will learn very quickly, and this includes all from the PM down, politics is about "the art of the possible", it requires a high degree of pragmatism. Not only in how he or she deals with the opposition, but also how one deals with those from their own side of politics as well, particularly for those in power at the time. In many ways this is perceived as a weakness by the voter, "its not doing what it promised, its not meeting my expectations". Politicians cannot always keep everyone satisfied, no matter how much they would like to, with an eye on the next election.

The way a person treats his/her family probably indicates to a degree how much a pollie or anyone 'cares' about people. Really it is bit of a nonsense question without measuring sticks. Personally I think a PM keeping his promise of a 5 day holiday to his kids and wife is admirable. Many MP's ditch their husband and wife for younger models which could also indicate they are selfish enough poop on the electorate.

If we look at the standard of road marking in regard to the centre lines on our roads then the answer must be that politicians couldn't care less about the road toll and the welfare of people in general.

I just drove on a main road which has 19 obvious road hazards in the first 20 kilometres mainly blind corners but including four blind crests and the whole distance has the passing permitting intermittent centreline and nary a double line in sight.

The New England Highway has blind corners and car hiding dips and the broken line going around/through them, likewise the Gwydir Highway, undoubtedly there are many more examples.

Indeed Runner, it has long be noted that most "Kings" only care for their cocks and their coffers hhahaha

..

And to quote Paul:

" ... Having worked with, and known many politicians, and aspiring ones, over many years, from all sides, I must say the vast majority are decent people who care about others, and truly want to make a difference. ... "

Truly!? Are you so naive? When considering the mainstream political establishment you are talking about people who have made a practice of locking up children, without charge or trial, indefinitely, in circumstances known to produce adverse medical outcomes. How many have been destroyed as a result of acquiring environmentally induced, irreversible psychiatric harm?

These people are absolute filth and need to be terminated in my view.

Australia has but about 25 million people and by the standards of other states a huge gdp. And yet, all too many in the community suffer from lack of appropriate medical care, lack of appropriate legal care, inadequate diets and homelessness to but mention but a few of the significant issues.

New England you say Issy,

It was Bonking Barney who was tasked with redoing that line marking job up on that track, but unfortunately he couldn't get out of the cot on time. Well you understand when the beaver calls, what's a bloke to do!

Remember our jingle at the next election; IF YOU WANT A CLONKER IN THE JOB...VOTE FOR BONKER!

rEPRUSu

"These people (politicians) are absolute filth and need to be terminated in my view."

After you have lined all the politicians up against the wall and shot them, that is what you mean by "terminated" is it not. What's the next step?

Judging by the above comment, you appear to be some kind of crazed extremist. Correct me if I am wrong.