Politicians Take Heed: Courage Possible
Summary
What is interesting is the character that led Sir [Roger Douglas] along the path he took. "So long as I can look in the mirror in the morning and say I did my best for New Zealand, I feel OK," explains Sir Roger of his courage and pragmatic, if dramatic, policy leadership. "I don't put labels on anything," is a clue to why he was able to dance across the political spectrum and trample stereotypical expectations. He talks about "the vision thing," but he actually gives detailed examples, too. He has published a book that includes 20 years of audited alternative budgets. Perhaps most tellingly, he talks about identifying the problem first and then finding the solution. Unlike many who, for example, talk about "quality public services," he talks about patients and children.
These actions were radical in New Zealand in the 1980s. They would have been especially radical to Sir Roger in his early career and most are considered radical in Canada today. Sir Roger was sacked when his uncompromising pragmatism became too much for the party leader, but 17 years and two governments later, almost none of his reforms have been reversed. Meanwhile, in his post-political career, Sir Roger is retired, but he occasionally consults (including being on the Frontier Centre's advisory board) and speaks all over the world.See the full content of this document
Extract
Politicians Take Heed: Courage Possible
Peter Hollee
AT a time when political participation is at a historic low and tomorrow's voters, the young, are the least interested of all, it is worth pausing to reflect on the type of politicians we have. Last Wednesday marked the 70th birthday of a ver...See the full content of this document
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