Win Or Lose, Leadership Always Ends In A Draw
The Age
Sunday May 22, 1994
Alexander Downer appears to be ahead in the leadership race by a short but rather puffy-faced and curly-haired head, according to some of Australia's best cartoonists.
In newspaper offices across Australia yesterday, cartoonists were meditating on the possibility of yet another federal Liberal leader.
At `The Age', Peter Nicholson said he backed Bronwyn Bishop.
``Especially if she's not running," he said. ``I think they've made a huge mistake - Downer's hairstyle is completely inapproppriate and Costello's is little better".
Of the two leadership contenders, Les Tanner said he would probably support ``Downer - because he's easier to draw than Hewson ... But I'd prefer Tony Staley - he's got a bit of character to his face."
Michael Leunig had only this to say on the Liberal vote. ``I think Downer is an astonishing name for a politician to have, if they have any hope of success."
Bill Leak, cartoonist for `The Sydney Morning Herald', said it was a ``lay down misere" for Downer and Costello. He thought Dr Hewson only had a chance if no one else stood.
Late last night, the cartoonist Dean Alston at `The West Australian', had not come down in favor of either side in the leadership struggle.
Instead, his drawings were likely to concentrate on the theme of re- arranging the deckchairs on the Titanic.
The `Canberra Times' cartoonist, Geoff Pryor, said he would have ``a bob each way", saying neither Costello nor Downer would pose too many difficulties to draw. Downer was characterised by his puffiness and curly hair, while Costello was notable for his close-set eyes, slightly upturned nose and tight mouth, he said.
John Farmer, at `The Hobart Mercury', (who signs his cartoons ``Polly") said he had not had to draw Downer often, and found Costello had a bland face. ``It would be nice if Bishop got up, because she always provides good material," he said.
Cartoonists from `The Australian' and the `Herald-Sun' doodled their way into the wee small hours in strict secrecy last night, refusing to disclose what would appear in their papers.
© 1994 The Age