How can we trust in politics when discredited MPs are allowed to keep their seats?

These beguiling essays show how, from Sarajevo to Chicago, a gifted exile told his story

To do so sets a dangerous precedent whereby the politicians who can afford their own expenses get credit for being wealthy. Most MPs have a legitimate right to allowances.

How can Ed Miliband's party reconcile the fact that they are "against the cuts" but would have to enforce austerity if they were elected? They can't - and it will cost them

We're in danger of entering a vicious cycle in which the disaffected young don't vote, leaving politicians to favour the old at their cost

Thursday Book: MICROCOSMS BY CLAUDIO MAGRIS, TRANSLATED BY IAIN HALLIDAY, HARVILL, pounds 13

In the understandable passion he expresses about the scheduling of Food for Ravens ("Halt the agonising death of BBC drama", 16 November) Brian Cox overlooks one important fact. BBC Wales decided to commission this production solely for the benefit of viewers in Wales, after it had been offered to the network, and rejected, at script stage 12 months ago. There was no betrayal of promise or principle in this - everyone involved in the project knew that they were making it just for the audience in Wales.