Whitless

Whitlam's whipping of Janette shows deep character flaws

FORMER first lady Margaret Whitlam has done herself a grave disservice with her unprecedented attack on Prime Minister John Howardâs wife Janette.

If she has been quoted correctly by her fawning biographer, longtime Labor supporter Susan Mitchell, a sometime ABC talkback host and author of a handful of poorly-written works, Mrs Whitlamâs remarks are at odds with the usually gracious and intelligent public comments she makes about personalities involved in current affairs.

The political world knew that she and her husband, Gough, were totally shattered by Mark Lathamâs unflattering references to his mentor, the former prime minister, whom he succeeded in the seat of Werriwa. Yet there were no public statements or reports.

Mrs Whitlam is critical of Mrs Howard for holding hands with her husband in public. What? When did a small gesture of public affection between a couple who are obviously very close become a problem worthy of comment?

She says Mrs Howard is ãuselessä in terms of community service - yet her diary shows she was at a fundraiser for the homeless charity Youth In Search on Friday night, attended a private lunch Monday backing former NSW Treasurer Michael Eganâs Centenary Insbreastute in support of cancer research and went to a dinner hosted by the National Breast Cancer Foundation, of which she is a patron, on Tuesday.

Most newspapers ran a photograph of another patron, Sarah Murdoch, but being less photogenic than a former super model is surely no crime and Mrs Howard brings a rare compbuttion to her role, having had her own brush with cancer a decade ago.

Australia has not gone down the US road of following every move made by the wives of its prime ministers and, unless they impinge on public policy, nor should it.

Mrs Whitlamâs legacy is largely unremembered, except for her and Goughâs gift to comedians the world over - based largely on their towering size.

Mrs Howard chooses not to grandstand, and for that, most Australians will be extremely grateful. There are enough poseurs to fill all the womenâs magazines and the circulation-challenged Bulletin already.

Far from detracting from Mrs Howardâs stature, Mrs Whitlam (if quoted correctly), and her biographer have revealed an ugliness in their natures that betrays deep character flaws.