NEVER assume that the people at the head of organisations are brighter than the rest of us.

They are human and prone to make the same mistakes as others.

The problem is that sometimes they make more spectacular mistakes because the thirst for power can blind you to the obvious.

I suspect rule number one of the guide to being an England football manager states: "Do not under any circumstances have anything to do with anyone purporting to be a rich sheikh".

The fake sheikh and his hidden cameras have provided front page after front page for the News of the World. He has lulled stars from royalty, sport and showbiz into a false sense of security before revealing their thoughts to the nation.

Yet Sven Goran Eriksson falls for it hook, line and sinker.

The Liberal Democrat party has always wanted to be a major force in British politics. Unfortunately, recent events have portrayed them as a major farce.

A desire for power has now led to three of their leading lights becoming blinded to the obvious.

Supporters of Simon Hughes' leadership bid may well insist his sexuality has nothing to do with his ability to lead the party. They're absolutely right on that issue - but they're missing the point entirely.

Hughes has made the same mistake as former leader Charles Kennedy and former prospective leader Mark Oaten - they have misled the public: Kennedy by denying he had a drink problem and Oaten by presenting himself as fit for public office.

Hughes denied he was gay when he had, in fact, had several homosexual affairs. The fact that 20 years ago he appeared to use a rival's open homosexuality as a campaigning issue only exacerbates his mistake.

Just last week I met Menzies Campbell for the first time when I was visiting some London Parliamentary offices. I'm sure he will become the party leader and he's exactly what they need, someone to steady the ship.

The demise of the LibDems may be good sport for the newspapers but it's bad for our democracy.

I support Tony Blair's stance on Iraq but recognise that the LibDems, as the only major party to oppose the war, provided a voice for many people in this country; they raised some crucial questions and that is good.

The danger is that the recent turmoil will lose them all the ground they have made and I suspect it is the Conservative Party who will be the beneficiaries. I'm not convinced a two party system, such as in the US, is best for the UK. I prefer a system which holds the government to account from more than one direction.

The public are actually a pretty forgiving lot, they realise politicians are only human and will make mistakes. Former LibDem leader Paddy Ashdown's popularity didn't suffer after he admitted having had an affair. But what the public don't like is being taken for fools. It leaves a nasty taste, the suspicion that they are seen as mugs who can be lied to by someone who believes they are superior.

Those who put themselves forward as leaders have to accept that honesty is a prerequisite of the job and they will be judged to a higher standard than others. Those that cannot accept that shouldn't bother applying.

Published: 27/01/2006