Sue Bradford - NZ's Princess Di, or George Galloway?

by Pat O'Dea

Perhaps fearing her mana the NZ Herald has pressed upon Bradford not to go back to activism, but instead to devote her undoubted talent and energies to charity works. See NZ Herald Editorial: Bradford's departure reflects badly on Greens

The Herald seems to want to recast her as New Zealand's Princess Diana. Princess Di was also told to stick to charity work, and warned away from activism, by the establishment.

I don't know whether Sue should be flattered or just amused.

Somehow I don't think we will be seeing Sue Bradford in the society pages fronting charity works beside celebs and well meaning rich dowagers, any time soon. This part of the political spectrum is pretty crowded already.

Instead, I think that Bradford has the potential of being New Zealand's version of George Galloway. And like Galloway remain a thorn in the side of the establishment and a spur in her former colleagues conscience's.

And maybe even more, Sue could serve as a lightening rod for a genuine grassroots fightback.

All power to her elbow.