Let’s give our candidates a thorough exam

ONE of the fascinating things about living in a free democracy is how hard our politicians work to tell us nothing about themselves.

For most $100,000-plus jobs, you need a pretty impressive CV, but to be elected to run the Territory, all you need is a photo of yourself draped over the party leader and a million sizzling sausages.

I’d like to suggest that all candidates sit a written Parliamentary entrance exam during each election campaign, with results available before the poll. I’ve thought of a few sample questions.

PLEASE write your name and address (note – you may not ask for assistance with this question).

PLEASE justify why you are a fit and proper person to represent your electorate (100 words or less).

IF you don’t live in your target electorate, please: (a) explain your choice of electorate (note – references to “party strategy,” etc., are not acceptable; (b) underline the correct response: I may (i) vote for myself, (ii) may not vote for myself, (iii) am not enrolled to vote.

COMPLETE this famous quotation: “__________ ___________ can serve two masters.” Discuss how this may relate to your future work ethic.

UNDERLINE the person who most closely matches your own experiences with and attitudes towards drugs: (a) Pope Benedict XVI; (b) Bill Clinton; (c) (Network Against Prohibition’s) Gary Meyerhoff.

YOU are being harassed by a journalist. Would you: (a) say “no comment”; (b) wrap a microphone cord around his neck; (c) head butt him; or (d) punch him? Explain your choice.

USE the words “poofter”, “Nazi”, and “do-gooder” in a sentence of 15 words or less. Now suggest some equivalent phrases that may be used outside Parliament.

WHEN in office, you discover that your own financial management skills are not ideal. Would you: (a) pawn the office microwave; (b) raise your salary while instructing Territorians to tighten their belts; or (c) step aside while a property rezoning is made to your advantage? Explain your choice.

IMAGINE that as a Member of Parliament you are asked to comment on a controversial under-age pregnancy case. Outline your answer, with reference to the Convention on the Rights of the child.

IMAGINE that you are receiving a visit from the Greek Patriarch. Would you: (a) give him a Toyota; (b) display your historical knowledge by rabbiting on about the fourth Crusade; (c) mock his accent; or (d) other?

Andrew Tupper
Wulagi

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: Mon, 06 June 2005
Source: Northern Territory News (Australia)
Author: Andrew Tupper
Copyright: 2005 Northern Territory News
Contact: ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au
Website: http://ntnews.news.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/283