On the streets of Hamilton there is overwhelming support to a policy which will require all MPs to be drug tested. The policy was put into motion in the House of Assembly on Friday by Independent MP Terry Lister and will require at least 15 randomly selected MPs to be tested every three months.

Mr Lister said: “It’s time to show that we (MPs) are not only not above the law but that we operate fully within the law.”

The move was passed despite opposition from the Progressive Labour Party who unanimously believed the policy to be irrelevant, invasive and politically motivated.

The Royal Gazette yesterday took to the streets to see what members of the public thought of the move.

James Trimingham, 55, Smith’s said: “Why not start something that could be a useful thing to do, it could get their thinking in line, or not. It’s a harmless thing.”

Cobus Vermaak, 29, of Warwick, was in favour. He said: “They have a great deal of responsible on them. If you sign up for that job its expected of you to walk the straight and narrow.”

Victoria Lindsay, 16, of Sandys, said: “A lot of people get drug tested for jobs so they should to.”

Cheryl Stafford, 65, of Warwick, said: “Anybody in that position needs to be a role model for everybody else, so I think that’s the reason why they should be tested.”

Patrick Henderson, 53, of Pembroke, said: “The other guys (workers) they take drug testing too, so they should do the same thing.”