Series 02: Alan Gibson Stewart papers, 1987-1989 - Page 227
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102
I was to find that both Wran and Landa constantly avoid identification with either left or right. They would give me some hints, but they would keep their own secrets. Politics is a lonely game for outsiders.
Donna turned up for work on Monday morning. I told her that as far as I was concerned she had the job as my secretary, although she would have to await official appointment from the Legislature, which would be paying her salary. Landa had emphasised the importance of employing a loyal and intelligent secretary, who understood the art of political survival.
My first skirmish with a faction was over Donna. Many people had noticed her by myu side during the campaign and word had spread that I was thinking of making her my secretary. After the election I was rung by a woman from ALP Head Office who was anxious to help set up my electorate office in Manly. She warned me that Donna was known to have been associated with left wing groups at university. I laughed and retorted that it was quite normal for students to be radical on campus.
"Yes...but also whe is a bit...er...grubby," the right wing lady advised. "we could find you a nice girl from our typists here."
I politely thanked her for the information; and promptly confronted Donna with the accusations: