HISTORIC CASES

Disciplining a member of any legislature is inevitably a difficult subject. It may be thought that elected politicians who fall seriously foul of the law should lose their position – not least because if they are in prison they can no longer do their job.

But at the same time MPS and MSPS are elected. Removing them from office without reference to the voters can be thought to be an undemocratic step too far.

Yet equally, allowing voters simply to “recall” an MP or an MSP at any time has its risks. Politicians who fear they might be hauled back to the ballot box because they are unpopular with some voters are hardly likely to provide Scotland with leadership.

Outrage at Mr Mcdonald’s behaviour is understandable, but any remedy has to be considered very carefully. l Sir John Curtice is professor of politics at Strathclyde University Bill Walker - The former SNP MSP initially refused to quit his seat after a string of convictions for domestic abuse in August 2013, but eventually resigned a month later after mounting pressure. Lord Watson - The disgraced peer was sentenced to 16 months in jail for fire raising at an Edinburgh hotel following an awards night in 2005. Jim Devine - Former Labour MP for Livingston was the most highprofile Scot caught up in in the Commons expenses scandal and sentenced to 16 months in 2011 for fraudulent claims.