New voice for National

(Background: In the run-up to National's leadership vote, Dr Edwards posted to social media: "Without naming any of the candidates, it would at least be nice to have a Prime Minister who speaks English in a comprehensible and listenable way" and "Just trying to imagine Simon Bridges representing us overseas. Argh!" – Editor)

Well, we were spared the icy Amy Adams, and the feisty Paula Bennett remains as deputy leader of the National Party.

So there is some good news for those of us who believe that it’s at least preferable that our leaders present a tolerably pleasing impression to the rest of the world.

I’m on shaky ground here, I know. New Zealanders have the admirable quality of placing greater weight on substance than appearance or mellifluous voices in choosing their political leaders. Think Savage, Kirk, Rowling, Key, Clark … But their tolerance for idiosyncrasy is not without limit. Bob Jones effectively put an end to Rowling’s career by dubbing him ‘the mouse’ on account of his very light voice.

I have reason to remember this particularly well. In a previous incarnation, I hosted a late night TV show called Edwards On Saturday.

We had Bill and Glen Rowling on one night as the main guests. Glen played the piano and Bill talked to me. The programme was broadcast live.

About halfway through, as I was interviewing Bill, there was a minor commotion.

Bob Jones walked in through the studio door accompanied by a human-sized mouse on a leash, squeaking. Inside the mouse costume was broadcaster Jim Healey.

Bob had told security that he and Healey (sans mouse costume) were late guests on the programme and been allowed in.

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that this guest appearance of ‘Mouse Rowling’ was a factor in ending a very decent politician’s career.

You may not like it but, in politics, image really matters.

Commentator and media trainer Dr Brian Edwards posts at Brian Edwards Media.