There are four points in Tracy Watkin's article on Helen Clark's departure I found particularly interesting
1. As prime minister, Miss Clark sparked strong views while polls rated her as among our most popular leaders, she also became an increasingly polarising figure.
^ this is the first time I can think of where a mainstream political journalist has referred to Clark as a polarising figure. Of course she was incredibly polarising; people either loved her or couldn't stand her. Based on this I could not understand why the media brought into the 'inclusive leadership' line spun by Helen's ninth floor. Tracy has now broken out of this mould.
2. "There was also intense media scrutiny including over her private life."
^ yes there was and most unfairly in my opinion. Helen's personal life is her own business. However given Helen Clark was unsympathy to Don Brash having his personal live trotted out to the media, she does not deserve sympathy. In saying this, I was not impressed by every news organisation making a major story out of the fact Peter Davis won't be accompanying Clark to New York. Who cares.
3. "Obviously there were things happening which I really think are outrageous ... but if I go out there and say that, people are just going to respond, `Oh, she lost the election, it's just sour grapes'. So there is no point in even going near that."
The quote above is from Helen Clark & is one of the most astute things she has said in a while; breaking new ground indeed!
4. Like the rest of her private papers there are thousands of them, she says the ones in the case will not be released to the public till after her death. Till that day, her secrets after nine years as prime minister, and 27 in the public eye, will remain just that.
Yeah, like who stole Dr. Brash's emails!
0 comments:
Post a Comment