There’s a rumour doing the rounds in the Adelaide Hills that the current Federal Member for Mayo, Jamie Briggs, may be dumped at the next election in favour of Edward Downer, the son of the former Member for Mayo, Alexander Downer.
It’s no secret that Edward Downer has political ambitions and, while it might not quite be in the true spirit of democracy, his hereditary credentials are spot on – if you think that being the son, grandson and great-grandson of an entire family of silver spooned power-mongering South Australian politicians are ideal qualifications for leading a nation-state.
It seems Jamie Briggs’ days may be numbered and his short career as a politician may soon be over. Still, I’m sure that if the Liberals get in at the next election, which, unfortunately for Australia, seems likely, the new coalition government will no doubt find Jamie a cushy little job stashed away in some all-white diplomatic post somewhere on the planet well out of harms way.
Of course, since Liberal Senator Mary Jo Fisher has resigned her seat, young Edward Downer could get in to power without even being elected, but I fancy that Edward would prefer to be in the House of Representatives and follow in his fathers footsteps.
Time, as with everything, will tell.
