By Darren McSweeney

Last updated at 17:14, Monday, 16 July 2012

SO they break up this week. Hurray. No more of the childish behaviour we’ve seen for the last few weeks. Thank the Lord we can have some peace for the summer. Parents are now confused – peace you say? YES! Because I’m not talking about schools – I’m referring to the Houses of Parliament!

Darren McSweeney

Watching the final Prime Minister’s Questions before the summer break, I found myself at breaking point. I’ve really come to the stage where I need a break from this lot. All of them – The Left, The Right and the Inbetweeners. Maybe that’s what the summer recess if for – to give the public a break rather than the politicians?

It’s been nothing short of a pantomime these last few weeks – he said, she said, it’s behind you.

To think this lot are collectively charged with running the country is very scary indeed. We’ve had Cameron losing it and (allegedly) jabbing a pointed finger at the face of one of his own. Then the rabble that was worse than a children’s playground as Anne Marie Morris screamed out a question like a possessed dinner lady, don’t they know this is televised? Has no-one told them? They’re running the country and behaving like Grange Hill on a bad day!

I was really encouraged to hear Tim Farron tell me that “we need to get away from the Punch and Judy stuff” – fine sentiment, I just wish he could convince the rest of them! This came from a discussion on the banking inquiry – another issue that’s been riddled with “was he, wasn’t he” panto nonsense, as the two main parties focus on blaming each other’s involvement whilst the bankers sneak out of the back door with the loot. Again.

I for one will enjoy the break and those that think this column has slid into a political quagmire will probably be just as pleased. (Hi Lisa).

But before we do break, I noticed that the culmination of a government study was published last week. Just as the news channels were all focused on who can get the reddest face or score the cheapest shot, the government quietly published their proposals for another benefit reform. It seemed to slip under the radar and few of the news channels and media outlets picked it up – but the proposals for “Bereavement benefit” reform are quite far reaching for parents. Currently, a parent of young child whose partner dies would get a lump sum (Bereavement Payment) and then an on-going payment until the child reaches 18 (Widowed Parent Allowance). The new reform would give a greater Bereavement Payment, but then NOTHING to replace to WPA. Under the new scheme a bereaved parent would be around £5,000 better off in the year following the partner’s death, then at least £2,000 a year worse off in subsequent years than the current system allows!

So the incentive is there for a single, widowed parent to go out and get a job. Or re-marry.

These politicians clearly need a break.

First published at 16:11, Monday, 16 July 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk