LAST WEEK I BUMPED INTO JEANETTE HOWARD

It’s true.  I was in my local Myer store looking for canisters to fit our variety of teas and there she was.  Her mobile phone rang and it got my attention; I looked towards her.  I instantly recognized her; but still I had to be sure.

As for the wife of a former prime minister she wasn’t all that striking. I don’t really know what I expected but she really just looked like my mum. No fancy shoes, no fancy bag, no fancy dress and no fancy hair. She just looked nice.

Perhaps I’ve overdosed on Michelle Obama’s lemongrass suit she wore for the Inauguration and the white full length dress with crystals she wore to the Inauguration Ball. Perhaps my perception of reality has been skewed a little this past week.

Jeanette Howard, during her time as Mrs Prime Minister, was accused of staying out of the limelight and not being vocal at all. She just seemed like the dutiful wife that hosted dinners for international leaders of countries and industry but didn’t dare talk policy. That’s what she was accused of. Whether it’s true or not, I don’t know.

I’m sure Jeanette Howard and Michelle Obama have brains in their heads and can hold intelligent conversations with their respective husbands about their work. Mr M discusses his work with me. And I have been influential on him I’m sure. Could it be possible to credit the wives of leaders as being instrumental in a policy change?

Quite frankly I don’t care who Michelle Obama wears and the emphasis on it I think is a little ridiculous. Don’t get me wrong; let the inauguration of a new president be a big deal. Absolutely. But wives of leaders are more than just a Stepford wives with nice dresses and cooking skills.

1 Comment

  • At 2013.01.22 13:21, Costa K said:

    From memory, I recall Howard saying in an interview that he did discuss policy with Jeanette. And from memory, he was criticized for doing so. And so has every other leader who has done so.

    So girls – do well in the HSC but keep your mouth shut if you get into The Lodge.

    Something wrong there…

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