Last election, Labor played its biggest card - cashing in its moral
soul - in a desperate effort to win an election. It was a turning point
for a party of principle; a statement that winning was everything.
This is the end-point of a slippery slope that frames every policy
debate as a political opportunity and casts all principles as expendable.
Unionists and rank-and-filers have a similar agenda: they want a
successful party but they want a leader who is prepared to take a few
hits, even a few falls, to ensure that when they attain power they have an
agenda consistent with Labor values.
Advertisement
They don't want a political fix dumped on them and into a Parliament
that is devoid of principle, compassion and integrity. In short, they want
a genuine say in the Party's direction.
The real test for Simon Crean is his ability to create a political
platform for Labor voters. There is a heartland out there wanting to vote
Labor; they just need a reason.
Discuss in our Forums
See what other readers are saying about this article!
Click here to read & post comments.