Series 02: Alan Gibson Stewart papers, 1987-1989 - Page 239
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108
He listened sympathetially to my tentative plans for "digging in", and assured me of his personal involvement in local events. He would be a frequent visitor to Manly.
Wran told me that holding the seat would not be an easy task. He warned me that politics was a hard life, and put a particular strain on familiies:
"Jillie is very much a political animal, but she flinches when she has to face some crowds," he confided.
Admitting my ignorance, I asked him about factions. Could I keep out of them? He smiled and looked out of the window,
"Yes, perhaps you can keep away from them."
So far, I had received advice but no orders. Rather sheepishly, I told him that my only loyalty was to him...About the impending vote in caucus for the ministry: How did he want me to vote? Did he have a list of names?
His gaze swung back at me, the smile gone. He raised a restraining hand, "I never get involved in things like that," he said firmly.
The next day a verbal message from the left wing faction was delivered by an official of Manly ALP Branch. Bob Quail, the big affable newcomer had been noticed giving me advice. Did I know that he was a right winger, possibly a head office plant? I confessed that such had not occured to me.