Distinguished politicians (9)
I believe the answer is:
statesmen
'distinguished politicians' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for statesmen that I've seen before include "Political figures" , "Males prominent in their countries affairs" , "Males prominent and skilled in government" , "Means test for people distinguished in service to the people" , "Means test for males prominent in national affairs" .)