Longer hours for politicians?

Jack McConnell wants MSPs to work longer hours:

the First Minister said: "I believe that the performance of the parliament as a whole would be enhanced through greater spontaneity, more time for back-bench speeches and some flexibility in, or an extension to, the working hours of the parliament."

McConnell is worried about the "status and credibility" of the Scottish Parliament. If MSPs persist in acting stupidly, longer hours will make them less credible, not more. Our government needs to do only two things: protect us against aggressors (criminal law) and ensure that we keep agreements (civil law). Working longer hours so as to liberate goldfish will not bring politicians more respect.