Christian Kerr writes:


We seem to keep on going back to last
Sunday’s Sun-Herald
to learn about Morris Iemma. “His supporters claim that the absence of
policy positions, political convictions and ideological commitments means that
Iemma is ‘baggage-free’ and ‘without any negatives’ and therefore an ideal
premier-elect,” wrote Alex Mitchell. “Conversely, there is the alarming
prospect that he may be like the proverbial pillow and change according to
whoever sits on him last.”

So it came as a profound relief to read
Anne Davies and Ruth Pollard in the SMH yesterday:
“Helping Iemma through the painful transition from the Carr Government’s shyest
minister to premier is Peter Barron, who arguably invented the style of modern
political interaction with the media. Barron was press secretary to Wran before
becoming political adviser to Hawke, and then a back room operative for Kerry
Packer.”

And how it showed. On the teevs last night
there was Iemma leaning with his left shoulder towards the camera, not straight
on, and making the occasional gesticulation – all while remembering his lines.

The 7:30 Report
last night might have
featured the talking heads worrying about Iemma’s performance, but NSW is clearly in good hands. Hands that look good on TV,
anyway. When
their owner remembers to move them.