And just like that, things can change
The NZ Prime Minister resigned leaving a short timeframe to elect a new Leader reminds us that life can sometimes follow unexpected paths. Enjoy the now.
I was out boogie-boarding on the beach when the news was announced. It was the first time that my wife and I had some time alone for two weeks. It was a blissful 30 minutes. When returned to camp, we found out the news. Neither of us were surprised by the main news of the Prime Minister resigning. We had both seen it coming. But I was taken aback by two things. First, the short timetable and for electing a new leader - just over 3 days. Second, the fact that the obvious candidate - the Minister of Finance, and Deputy Prime Minister - had ruled himself out. A reminder that what you thought might be your Plan B might not play the game by the rules you set.
Life can come at you with some unexpected twists and turns. External pressures have their part to play, but often, the motivations are internal. For the Prime Minister, she was clear that after consideration over her short summer break, she came to the realisation that she just didn't have the appetite for the job any more and it was time for her to go. She said it herself, and I’ve no reason not to take that at face value. Maybe she enjoyed her 30 minutes with her partner too. I suspect these windows of connection may have been far less frequent than the ones that Sarah and I have enjoyed.
I have much admiration for the ability to be able to walk away and tend to other life goals, not just what people want you to do, no matter how well meaning. I was sad, when I finally saw the news, at how tired and emotional she was when she made her announcement.
The fact that she led so well through many crises will be remembered.
But, we should also remember the bile and hate that our Prime Minister faced in ever-increasing amounts over the last two years, and not just let this be dismissed as part of the job, or somehow brought upon herself. A toxic political environment means more than just robust discussion, or rough and tumble. The misogyny, death threats and horrific abuse poisons the entire sphere of public service.
Let alone such dialogue being a threat to the national social fabric, we should tread especially carefully here, lest we put off an entire generation from coming forward to help develop civil society.
Mass incivility, and much worse, will do no-one any favours in the long run.
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