It was the speech that enthralled and aggravated the nation. Enthralled because it marked the final point in Australia’s ‘when will this end?’ federal election saga, and aggravation because it just went on and on … and on. Viewers wanted a simple ‘Labor or Liberal’ response. Instead, independent MP Rob Oakeshott delivered a sprawling speech […]
It was the speech that enthralled and aggravated the nation. Enthralled because it marked the final point in Australia’s ‘when will this end?’ federal election saga, and aggravation because it just went on and on … and on. Viewers wanted a simple ‘Labor or Liberal’ response. Instead, independent MP Rob Oakeshott delivered a sprawling speech complete with puns, history lessons and pop culture references.
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Jenny Haines
14 years ago
This is his moment in the sun. Leave him alone!! Why should the political process be run by the impatitent media?
pikelet
14 years ago
Why in the world would he reference Highlander. As if anyone in the room would even know what that is!
Michael Corey Watts
14 years ago
I thought it was a good speech; humble, forthright, articulate. Sure the Highlander reference is a bit silly, but give the guy a break! Perhaps it’s not Oakeshott who needs to change but cynical journalists and hacks with the attention span of a gnat.
Freddy T
14 years ago
I like many was at work, and was interested in this historical moment.
However it wasn’t a moment, it was 27 minutes of rambling on and on and on…
Perhaps my pressing work made me impatient, but I think it was the rather long and theatrical display that annoyed me. I understand they had taken time, hey I have been waiting like the rest of you.
If it takes him this long to do anything, God help us with any decisions on the country.
It wasn’t just impatient media that were squirming, it was my entire office!!!
Ultimately it doesn’t matter a hoot what I think. It will be Rob’s electorate that will cast the verdict.
And I personally think they will give him the boot.
Robert Smith
14 years ago
Stop bagging Mr Oakeshott. He got it right. His activities will be scrutinized and abused down to any lack of shine on his boots and the angle of his hat.
He put in some defence in depth by spelling out the processes and reasons for his decision.
This is his moment in the sun. Leave him alone!! Why should the political process be run by the impatitent media?
Why in the world would he reference Highlander. As if anyone in the room would even know what that is!
I thought it was a good speech; humble, forthright, articulate. Sure the Highlander reference is a bit silly, but give the guy a break! Perhaps it’s not Oakeshott who needs to change but cynical journalists and hacks with the attention span of a gnat.
I like many was at work, and was interested in this historical moment.
However it wasn’t a moment, it was 27 minutes of rambling on and on and on…
Perhaps my pressing work made me impatient, but I think it was the rather long and theatrical display that annoyed me. I understand they had taken time, hey I have been waiting like the rest of you.
If it takes him this long to do anything, God help us with any decisions on the country.
It wasn’t just impatient media that were squirming, it was my entire office!!!
Ultimately it doesn’t matter a hoot what I think. It will be Rob’s electorate that will cast the verdict.
And I personally think they will give him the boot.
Stop bagging Mr Oakeshott. He got it right. His activities will be scrutinized and abused down to any lack of shine on his boots and the angle of his hat.
He put in some defence in depth by spelling out the processes and reasons for his decision.
More politicians should follow his example.