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Perhaps this is not the time to talk about Sainthood and politicians, but then maybe it is. For Saturday past was the feast day of the patron saint of politicians, St. Thomas More. When we think of Thomas, we might think of the primacy of conscience, principles, integrity, service, wisdom, learning, sacrifice, and the list could go on. When we think of today's politicians, do those words spring to mind? Should they? As our MPs walk through Westminster Hall and over the plaque on the floor marking the spot where St. Thomas stood trial and was condemned to death, how many of them think of his legacy and deem it relevant or irrelevant to the professional life of today's elected representatives? As voters, what do we think of when we seek a good MP? Do we simply look for someone who will reflect us with all our hopes and ambitions, and take up our practical day-to-day administrative concerns to get something fixed or help us with a local issue? If we want representatives to focus on the immediate, then that is likely what we will get. However, that can create problems as we have seen throughout our history. An over-reliance on the instant, the pragmatic and the short term often come at the expense of deeper issues in society, which can build up and will affect its long-term health and stability. That's not just a risk for politicians but all of us. We can fool ourselves that lots of immediate activity is meaningful, but it might just be motion with little or no direction, progress or reflection. Thomas More's life got the balance right and as such his example is worthy of consideration by all those seeking to serve in public life. He served with professional brilliance across many settings, advising the King on most administrative matters and recognised across the country and beyond as a person of wisdom. Today we'd call him agile because his experience covered time as a parliamentarian, diplomat, minister in the Exchequer, Speaker of the House of Commons, and eventually Lord Chancellor. In essence, he was the Prime Minister of his day. His career embodied the breadth, depth and balance that all healthy societies need in their leaders. It was complemented with a grounded humility and motivation, for in the end, as we all know, he tamed the ego, putting principle ahead of ambition and power. While many things have changed radically since the era of St. Thomas More, his example still inspires, encouraging us not to give up on seeking leaders who possess a breadth and depth, complemented with humility.