What a dreadful shock, a politician admits to smoking crack cocaine. The story, if it can be called that, of Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s drug taking, whilst evidently in a drunken stupor, has made headlines across the world.

I get the impression that many people are more upset by the fact that he only admitted to his wrongdoing after six months of denial than by the deed itself.  That may well be the case but,  putting it to one side, it seems to me that in an age where drug-taking is at epidemic levels worldwide (throughout all levels of society – including politicians, the judiciary and even journalists!), this is actually pretty small beer.

Not for a moment would I seek to condone such foolish and potentially life-threatening behaviour but, personally, as a voter I’m far more concerned by politicians embezzling public funds and faking expenses claims than by anything they might do in their private lives. Surely, the only question that needs to be asked by those clamouring for his head is this –  is he any good at his job? If he is why not  leave him alone, let him suffer the humiliation from the worldwide exposure of his stupidity and let him get on with being Mayor.

Anyway, what might his successor be like? I don’t see too many Mother Teresas in national or world politics these days and sometimes it really is a case of better the devil you know.