There's a liar somewhere in this private affair
Sydney Morning Herald
Wednesday September 2, 2009
John Della Bosca says: "At no time did I breach my duties as a minister or member of Parliament" ("Della Bosca quits after sex scandal", September 1).The woman with whom he had an affair says he missed the opening of a new hospital because he chose to spend his time with her. One of them is lying. If it transpires that Della Bosca was the liar, then clearly the Labor Party must disendorse him. The affair is not the issue. What is important is how the man behaves when it all falls to pieces.Tony Letford AshfieldWhatever happened to that good old Australian point of view that said a politician's private life was exactly that? When did we take up yet another American habit of demanding to know and judge politicians' private lives? I still adhere to the idea that if a minister does the job well €“ and I respect Della Bosca's handling of his portfolio €“ that is what I judge him or her by.Gloria Healey Condell ParkUnless he is having sex with children or animals, John Della Bosca's behaviour has nothing to do with anyone except his wife. We don't have to go down that road in Australia.Leonie Blackshield CremorneWhat public interest has been served by revealing details of Della Bosca's private life? It seems to me the only real transgression may be the alleged offer of a job by another upper house member to the woman. That surely deserves further investigation.Anne Cooper StanmorePeople will say the media should not peek into the bedrooms of prominent people. As a general proposition I agree, but not in this case. Della Bosca and his wife were eager to parade cosy fireside images of themselves and their children to tabloid television in shameless attempts to soften their jagged images in the wake of Iguanagate. Della Bosca wanted to show the world what a great bloke and loving husband he was. That is what makes this story newsworthy, and what exposes him as a victim of his own cynical device.Shaun McCarthy BalmainAh, spring. When a young man'sfancy lightly turns to thoughts of being sprung.Les Tomlinson Berowra HeightsHere's a chilling thought. It's beginning to look as though Nathan Rees might be easily the best they've got.Peter Bower NaremburnSo it wasn't Rees having a "red-hot go" after all.Peter Stahel Barton (ACT)I guess John Della Bosca took the view that if Silvio Berlusconi can get away with it, then why not?Lyn Fowler SodwallsThe allegation that John Della Bosca and a woman frolicked on his office furniture reminds me of the previous minister for housing, who also engaged in underpants activities on his office lounge. I say divest the divans and comfortable couches, and replace them with hard-backed chairs to strengthen the moral posture of all members.Michael August Dulwich HillJohn Della Bosca may just be premier material after all. Anyone brave enough to betray Belinda Neal surely has the mettle to lead the ALP through an election when the voters just want to clobber it.Peter Kavanagh LambtonI hope Ms Neal still has the phone number for the anger management course.Ann Meadows Glenmore ParkWill Belinda Neal put Della's name in the freezer?Maria Santos North BalgowlahI guess John forgot who she was.Robert Macnab Bulli
© 2009 Sydney Morning Herald
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