Tuesday 19 May 2009 was an extraordinary day in British politics. Or at least that’s what the talking heads are saying today in their newspaper columns, TV and radio shows.

Personally, I cannot see what all the fuss is about. MPs merely acted true to form as they offered their Speaker in a blood sacrifice to appease the god Demos. And this while members of the Newer Model Army stalked the grounds at the Palace of Westminster, calling for the dissolution of Parliament and the installation of a new Lord Protector.

All because of a few porn movies, lawnmowers and trouser presses. How very English.

Michael Martin has fallen on his sword, as demanded by hundreds of indignant MPs. “It really is appalling!”, they cried as one. Appalling that Speaker Martin failed to suppress the disclosure of their dodgy expenses claims, and as a result risked putting Britain’s glorious parliamentary democracy in the hands of the baying mob. And, to cap it all, our honourable elected representatives and their friends in the right-wing media are today complaining that Martin is to be awarded an ermine stole and comfy seat in the House of Lords, together with a modest £1.4 million pension pot.

The ungrateful bastards.