Mark Latham

 I first met Mark Latham shortly after he 'retired' to the back bench because of a dispute with Kim Beazley. Chris Richardson mentioned he was one of the more impressive ALP mps and after meeting him I agreed. He was well read ( OECD stuff in particular) and held views on some topics that would not endear him to some ALP mps.

I met him again at a birthday party of a fiend of mine that john Hewson also attended.

He became leader by a fluke. Simon Crean was leader but at that time newspoll did not do preferences so as Peter Brent constantly said the innumerate ALP caucus went nuts on polls they should not have.

The 2004 election was interesting. both ALP and Liberal polling was similar to Morgan who got the original votes correct but not the preferences. I do recvall being told by ALP types it could be a 1969 election whereas Liberal types were going for a 1961 result.

So why did Latham  go to Whacko land after this. My theory  (and remember I have not studied any psychology subjects) he changed after getting a health attack twice in quick time which usually meant death in the not too distant future.

As proof he became enemies of almost everyone. He was a decent columnist at the AFR until a blowup. This occurred time and time again.

He is now involved in court action with an ex-partner ( I hate that term.) Until we get the verdict in that case we should wait. Latham like all other people is innocent until found guilty.

I do find Latham a great shame. He WAS a man of great talent and then attempted to make as much money as possible. Both Hawke and Keating did that so no problem there. However he did become a Labour rat and this explains why he is now held in such a low regard by a lot of people.