Politics and Personality Bypasses

I miss Paul Keating. Not necessarily because I agree with everything he says. but because he has that elusive thing in a modern politician - a personality.

Since the Labor Party effectively washed its hands clean of any distinctive ideology, the major parties have basically been competing to market often near-identical policies. This sameness seems to have extended to the politicians themselves. Why are there so few distinctive voices? The only figure who seems to show a glimmer of personality these days is Costello, and frankly his is one we could all do with less of. Nearly all the others, even a star recruit with an activist background like Garrett, are quietly and obediently toeing the party line.

Of course, no one wants a government full of unpredictable motormouths who'll not only shoot themselves in the foot, but probably take out half their own party while they're at it. That's probably why Bob Katter is an independent, and Mark Latham's disastrous stint as leader of the Opposition is certainly a case in point. A strong personality is not necessarily always a good thing, if it can't be reined in a little. But diversity of voice and opinion is something Australian politics needs. While the minor parties and independents might provide some of this, it's desperately lacking in the major parties.

Every time I turn to an article these days where Keating is quoted, I can't help feeling a little nostalgic. A man who can provide both a laugh and discussion is a valuable asset to his society. Keating is passionate, and probably bitter, but this does not discount the truth of some of his recent statements - truths his former colleagues wouldn't touch with a barge-pole, even if they most probably agree.

I'm not calling for question time to become a variety hour, but I do think it's important that ideas are discussed more vigorously. It's been said before, but the sad display of parliamentary bunfighting does nothing to dispel the general cynicism regarding politicians and their conduct. Some might say that Keating's barrage of insults were prime examples of this, but I disagree. To me, he was funny and provocative.

Even if you don't find the man amusing, he's certainly got the edge on the gallery of cardboard cut-outs we see fading into sepia before us today. At least he had something of substance to say.