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00:00 is that we set higher standards.
00:03 25 years ago, we talked of devolution
00:05 as the beginning of a new politics.
00:07 But the reputation of politics and politicians
00:11 seems to be lower than ever.
00:13 The First Minister has said that he does not believe
00:17 his approval ratings have been affected by the controversy.
00:22 And I must say that surprised me and it troubled me
00:25 whether the polls bear that out or not.
00:27 It really isn't the point.
00:29 Surely the question isn't what any of us can get away with.
00:32 It's what is right.
00:34 And the fact that some voters just shrug their shoulders,
00:37 that's what should worry us.
00:39 Far from being an endorsement, I fear it's a reflection
00:42 that we are all tarred with the same brush.
00:45 And we all get it.
00:46 You're all the same.
00:47 You're in it for yourselves.
00:48 You're on the make.
00:49 Not only is it demoralizing for many of us
00:52 who see politics as a genuine public service, a sacrifice,
00:56 but it's also dangerous to the fabric of our democracy
01:00 at a time when it's already under huge strain.
01:04 Academics call it norm spoiling.
01:07 They say that when accepted standards of behaviours, norms,
01:10 are undermined, it lowers expectations.
01:14 And that lays the ground for a new set of weaker standards
01:18 to take hold.
01:19 That's why we need to confront this situation.
01:22 And I'm deeply uncomfortable the way
01:24 I'm now in effect being expected to endorse something.
01:26 I just think it's wrong.
01:27 And I haven't spoken out since the donation came to light
01:31 10 weeks ago, because I wanted to give time
01:32 for the issue to be addressed.
01:35 But it hasn't been.
01:37 So to be clear, for me, this is not an issue of confidence,
01:40 but it is an issue of conscience.
01:43 We look to our leaders to model behaviour we want to see,
01:47 to reflect our nation, and to set an example.
01:51 It's an awesome responsibility.
01:53 And it's especially important in a democracy as young as ours.
01:58 The ministerial court says, and I quote,
02:00 "Ministers remain personally responsible for adhering
02:03 to the code and the decisions they take."
02:06 It doesn't need an independent arbiter to uphold.
02:10 It's a code of honour.
02:13 Nor is the ministerial court a legal contract.
02:16 The test isn't how to find a loophole.
02:18 It's a code of ethics.
02:20 Now, this situation can be put right.
02:22 I hope it is put right.
02:25 But the first step to solving any problem
02:27 is to acknowledge that there is a problem.
02:29 And it would not be a sign of weakness
02:32 to say it was a mistake to take the donation
02:35 and now all the facts are known to give it back.
02:38 It can still be done.
02:39 In my view, it should be done.
02:41 And sometimes, doing the right thing is the hardest thing.