Series 02: Alan Gibson Stewart papers, 1987-1989 - Page 163
Primary tabs
Transcription
a9292166.html
70
time fraternising with the enemy, and their confident manner made me uneasy.
The next day Wran delivered the ALP policy speech in the Ryde Town Hall. The theme was stability and moderation. There would be no increase in taxes or charges but steady improvements to services. The media was impressed. The Herald ran a favourable editorial and a cartoon of Wran launching a majestic "Election" ship. Even the conservative Sydney Chamber of Commerce conceded that Wran's program, "showed a degree of management."
The Wran publicity machine was in full swing, promoting his personal image as that of a strong leader, with style, who could get things done.
With his smooth but direct presentation, he portrayed upward mobility - the barefoot boy from the streets of Salmain who had risen to wear the well cut suits of a Queen's Counsel. Yet he remembered his origins. His story and his style appealed to a wide range of people. It was part of the myth of Australian egalitarianism. Here was an Australian for all seasons: One who could call a man his mate and yet was at ease in the company of women; who could talk on equal terms with a wharf labourer or a stockbroker, a cleaning lady or a diva.
He was a leader who could fight and talk and think.