Sometimes that sentiment is unfair. However, the cynics have been proven resoundingly correct this week following the events in Spring Street.

The unedifying spectacle of the about-turns and back-flips reached its crescendo yesterday when the state government pushed to kick rebel MP Geoff Shaw out of Parliament.

The state opposition staged a walk-out, saying they did not want to be part of the “grubby game”.

Quite simply, both sides are up to their necks in game playing and here’s why. Mr Shaw resigned as a Liberal MP in March 2013 — the very same evening Ted Baillieu resigned as premier in favour of Denis Napthine.

The state government managed to keep Mr Shaw sweet for over 12 months, humouring his wacky legislative ideas until the volatile parliamentarian realised he was being played for a fool.

Cue Mr Shaw having a meltdown on talkback radio, leading to a press conference duel between the Premier and Opposition Leader over who was running the state.

Three months ago, Labor pushed to have Mr Shaw expelled from the Parliament but the Coalition opted for a slap on the wrist instead. The reason? A byelection in Mr Shaw’s nominally Labor electorate of Frankston would have created deadlock on the floor of the State Parliament.

Dan Andrews accused the Premier of running a “protection racket.” Now both Dr Napthine and Mr Andrews have swapped sides on the Shaw issue because it’s politically expedient.

The Premier wants him out in order to provide “clear air” for the state election. Mr Andrews wants to keep him in Parliament because the rebel MP taints the government’s message.

Both leaders should be criticised for their hypocrisy. Their handling of the issue has been all about political games — mud slinging, to be precise.

The sad element is that one will be rewarded for their bad behaviour at the November state election.

Whoever wins is still going to come out of this looking a tad dirty.