The prime minister’s assertion that legal action will be taken against individuals who were involved in vandalism during protests about the quota system in the civil service, is fair, as are her statements that people involved in anti-establishment activity should not belong to the establishment.
While we agree that a quota system, especially one that can be manipulated or corrupted, contravenes a meritocratic selection process and hinders the development of a competent public service, we do not endorse the way these demands have been made.
People who are genuinely aspiring to serve the public and their country should not be engaging in activities that instead inconvenience the public, damage public property and cause harm to law enforcers.
The use of unlawful means to achieve ends, no matter how legitimate, cannot be condoned by our society, especially if they are being used by individuals aspiring to positions that require them to uphold the legitimacy of our public services.
We expect our civil servants to be exemplars of public order, and the prime minister’s hard line against BCS candidates found in violation of that virtue sends the right, albeit stern, message that there is no room for hooliganism by those who wish to contribute to our public institutions.
