THANK you, Paul Kelly, for such graphic insights into Labor figures’ low estimate of Kevin Rudd as prime minister. But what does it say about the Labor Party’s opinion of Julia Gillard in that they saw Rudd as a better option to lead the country into the last election?
With such people as Simon Crean and Martin Ferguson in the party, one must wonder if the Labor elite has a masochistic desire to be subjected to the whims of an egotist. This would explain why, despite so many of them now admitting how dysfunctional was the leadership of the Labor government, none of them spoke out against it at the time but allowed the country to be steered to disaster.
David Harrison, Thornleigh, NSW
LET me see if I’ve got this right: Labor colleagues all knew of Kevin Rudd’s fatal character flaws and inability to lead, and yet they thought he would make a good prime minister. Come on! He had a folksy persona that Labor thought could beat John Howard and it was quite happy to go with that to get into power and consider governing the country later.
Linda Michalak, Caves Beach, NSW
KEVIN Rudd was the most hated figure in the Labor Party, had a personality disorder, was unable to adapt to government, was strategically incapable, dysfunctional, fell out with the other members of the gang of four, ignored cabinet, could not lead a team, had manic habits, prevaricated, was erratic and a crisis addict. Yet Labor inflicted him on us again.
Paul Ludeke, Cremorne Point, NSW
And we wonder why people are cynical about politicians..,