[user104658]

Originally Posted by Livia

Please exchange the word 'mercenary' for 'personal'

It's not personal, you don't want to be a politician... There's nothing wrong with making education and career choices based on personal advancement. In fact it's quite sensible. I wish I'd been as sensible when I was at University, I managed to take effortlessly near-perfect school grades and a list of unconditional Uni acceptances and turn them into a big steaming pile of **** all. It was stupid. I love money! And I will unashamedly say that I am more than open to any career progression that gets me more money, responsibility and scope for further progression as you say. For most people, this is undoubtedly the sane way to go.

But it (a focus on personal advancement and financial gain) is still surely not what anyone wants or needs in a politician. The lure should not be the salary, it should be a genuine desire to improve the country and help people. For the record, I would also make a crap politician.