If this is an accurate quote then surely Michael Martin must resign

The Times is reporting that Michael Martin, the current woeful Speaker, has made a rather odd admission. The Times reports (my emphasis):

"THE Commons Speaker, Michael Martin, is said to have delivered an extraordinary outburst against his critics who are demanding reform of parliamentary pay and expenses.

Martin, a former sheet metal worker and shop steward, allegedly told a senior MP: “I have been a trade unionist all my life. I did not come into politics not to take what is owed to me.”

The Speaker has so far refused to speak in public about the expenses scandal. However, the MP said Martin made his revealing outburst when he challenged him to take a more active role in reforming the lax allowances regime. “He saw his role simply as a shop steward defending MPs’ Spanish practices,” said the MP. "

Bye bye Michael Martin?

Of course:

"A spokesman for Martin said yesterday: “The Speaker has always been a trade unionist and been proud to be a trade unionist but it is untrue that he made this comment.” "

So what is the truth?

The way that Michael Martin has delayed and delayed compliance with the Freedom of Information requests is disgusting and he should be forced out. However:

"One MP warned that there may be a bid to unseat Martin in the autumn. “We handed him the bottle of whisky and the revolver, but he appears to have thrown away the gun and drunk the whisky,” the MP said. "