Not just UK politicans then

[Saint in Paradise]

I have just read this story and my blood boiled, it's not just UK politicans who are ( fill in your prefered expletives )

 

New Zealand war heroes in their 90s ended up paying to attend commemorations in Europe while the taxpayer funded the Defence Minister's luxury travel, personal assistant and top hotels.

 

The treatment of the veterans on the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Crete shocked observers, who had expected to see them treated as the centrepiece of the New Zealand contingent.

 

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp spent more than $26,000 on flights and top hotels for himself and a secretary, in luxurious suites overlooking the Bay of Chania.

 

But New Zealand's war heroes were forced to pay out of their own pockets, arrange their own itineraries and stay in modest accommodation, with just $2000 Government support - less than a return airfare.

 

Australian veterans were flown over by their Government and cared for by provided doctors. They stayed at the same upmarket lodgings as Australia's defence and government officials.

 

Crete veteran Malcolm Coughlan said he had travelled on his own savings, and the Government grant had covered about 15 per cent of his expenses. "I've been saving for years. But it was good just meeting the people again."

 

He had travelled with a daughter as his caregiver, and she made most of the arrangements, he said.

 

For the rest of the story :-

 

http://msn.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10737384

 

Yes I have raised my concerns with my local MP who is a member of the Govt.

 

.