This is an example that all politicians should pay attention to, two politicians that have resigned after a failure, on principle, as he feels a “moral responsibility ” for the terrorist attacks.

Two of the men responsible for India’s internal security submitted their resignations today as the fallout from the deadly attacks in Mumbai continued.

The national security adviser, MK Naryanan, offered to leave just hours after India’s ruling Congress party announced that the home minister, Shivraj Patil, had resigned. (The Guardian)

When was the last time that a British politician resigned on a principle over a massive failure that was not directly personal? Certainly not since I’ve been politically aware, despite several opportunities. And I can’t imagine any of the current Labour Cabinet feeling a “moral responsibility” about anything.

When it comes to this sort of thing, politicians do get a tough job. Usually there isn’t anything they can or could have done do prevent whatever had happened, but have to take the flack for it anyway. But that’s just one of the perils of doing their job.