‘She had the ability to communicate with anyone. It was particularly noticeable in her instinctive connection with young children. This was almost certainly the same skill that enabled her to handle other politicians so expertly.’

This is a national newspaper's obituary praising the late Glenys Kinnock while at the same time implying that politicians are childish in their behaviour. Why are we so rude about politicians? Why do we make fun of people who enter public life to ‘make a difference’? Why is political satire such as Have I got News for You so popular? And why are many public sector managers so cynical about their local MP and councillors?