where have i said emphatically that his prejudices were based on one woman or that I believed that they were?
As I have repeated many times now, it is my belief that people should get a job based on their ability to perform that job. I do believe though that the whole sexism thing has been blown out of the water, as at this stage there is no clear evidence that he has specifically or intentionally excluded women from his supporting positions. Perhaps, in his opinion, (and it is his opinion that was voted in and is the preferred one of the country at present) he has selected those people best suited for the job at this point in time.
I understand though that if Tony does have ingrained beliefs (he may not even be aware of them, but he's pretty old, isn't he? Isn't he from that era where he was probably bought up to not expect women to be competent or even interested in politics?), and regardless of whether those beliefs are real, imagined or even substantiated, he does need to feel comfortable in the ability of those whom form his support team in order for him to do his job effectively. At least in the early days of his position.
I can't see how anyone can do their job effectively if they do not have confidence in the ability of their colleagues.
If the country objects, they can vote him out.
@the_great_she_elephant wrote:
We need someone to lead our country in the best way that they are able to. If Tony's background makes it harder for him to recognise the strengths of able women or to earn his confidence, then in order for him to do his job effectively he needs to operate within his comfort zone.
That is one of the most worrying observations I have ever read. What if a future PM decided she didn't feel comfortable working with men - would you be happy to see an all female cabinet, based on the prejudices of one woman?
