THE continuing MPs’ expenses saga reads like a comedy of errors, but is anything but funny.

There are some MPs whose desire and commitment to do a decent job is undermined by those supported by a system that is not complicated, but rotten.

Where restraint is expected because of the recession and job losses, it would appear politicians, or at least some of them, are enjoying a bonanza, while priorities in dealing with our many problems are overshadowed by scandal.

Like many people submitting expenses, the decision on what to claim is guided by a policy or procedure set out by the organisation to which the claim is made. That would seem quite simple, but there is always the human factor, or what is commonly known as greed.

There are similarities with the TV show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, where the aim is to go for as much as you can.

You can try a 50-50 on a second home. It is also possible to ask a friend or family member to help out, but there is difference – politicians shouldn’t ask the audience. The public will undoubtedly give an answer they might not want to hear.

Bernie Walsh, Coxhoe, Durham.

WHAT a disgusting set of individuals we have leading our country. These twerps are nothing more than common thieves. What makes it even worse is that these morally bankrupt lunatics don’t think they have done anything wrong.

The over-riding disgusting aspect of the whole sordid affair is that none of them will face charges; they will all retain their ill-gotten gains, and laugh all the way to the bank.

They are so corrupt they do not care what the public thinks, secure in the knowledge that they will not have to face the consequences of their fiddles and will retain their gold-plated pensions no matter what.

Now, they are going to set up an independent body to overlook claims. Who covers the cost? Is one or more of these layabouts going to get the boot so that the savings can be used? Some hope.

Colin Ward, Kirk Merrington, Co Durham.

DOES not the whole country owe the “leaker” of the MPs’ expenses claims a debt of gratitude? Imagine if the whole of the claims had been released in one huge document, many of the gems we now read about would not have been highlighted.

The slow dribble of information has allowed the press to scrutinise every individual claim in detail.

With grateful thanks to the leaker, whoever you are.

Eric Gendle, Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough.

HOW interesting to note that most of media coverage in the UK is now dominated by MPs’ financial activities rather than the economic downturn, unemployment, housing crisis, swine flu and even Royalty news (give or take a couple of back-packing princesses and their resurgent romances).

So much for the trust we place in our self-seeking politicians.

Come back, Maggie. All is forgiven.

Dr Abdul Jaleel, Darlington.

IS it me, or has anyone else noticed that since the scandal over MPs’ expenses began the Government has ceased the poster and TV campaign which had the slogan: “Benefit fraud, it’s your money their stealing”.

HE Smith, Spennymoor, Co Durham.