Editorial Viewpoint

Editor – Amanda Beadman

Few people would deny that certain personal qualities are important in anyone elected to public office.

Some of those characteristics would probably include integrity, honesty and a commitment to serve the public.

Seriousness when dealing with serious issues would no doubt be essential.

But, to be realistic, and to round out the personality of any potential leader, a sense of fun and the ability to not take oneself seriously 100 percent of the time should also be seen as positive qualities – ensuring mental and physical wellbeing and also adding a very human, down-to-earth element to a person’s character.

One of the world’s most highly regarded ‘leaders’, the Dalai Lama, is a man known almost as much for his cheeky sense of humour as he is for his wisdom.

Noone wants a parliament full of clowns, but, like most things in life, it’s all about balance.

One way to invest steely eyed, false-faced, less-than-human or less-than-convincing politicians with a sense of fun that need not impede their ability to act serious when it is required may be a kind of exercise in ‘letting go’ – similar to those advocated by many personal development experts.

Something along the lines of, perhaps, rocking out in one’s underwear among friends.

What a wonderful, healthy way to release stress and get in touch with one’s less serious side.

How healthy and refreshing it would be if all politicians conducted such an exercise on a regular basis, loosened their ties and recognised that they are human, and that they have every right to have some innocent fun.