MPs for hire

Career opportunities started looking bleak for many MPs the moment Parliament lifted David Rath's immunity this week. The 183-2 vote completely changed the risk profile of serving the people. What's the benefit of being in Parliament if you can't even accept a box of wine without going away for a decade? Immunity just ain't what it used to be! Keeping out of the spotlight of day-to-day politics is now an attractive alternative. For those with a bad conscience and weak nerves, resigning from Parliament would be a quick way out but might be too obvious, even if a mysterious illness were diagnosed. Some worried MPs will no doubt try to quietly slip down or off their party's candidate list when the next elections come around. But what to do without that cushy seat on the gravy train? Few of the MPs have lined their pockets enough to consider retiring. They could become political consultants or lobbyists, but that would keep them dangerously close to the hot seat. Alas, they might have no choice but to go out and look for a real job.