COMMENT, Australia — Nascent trends show that the National (or Country) Party are just about to turn a corner.
Recently the National Party were kingmakers in West Australia State elections.
Now it looks like the National Party may win in the New Zealand elections.
Barnaby’s Voice.
An independent thinker, one of the few who stood up to John Howard, Barnaby Joyce has the leadership & charisma to be a national leader. In 8-12 years.
It may be too soon, and it may not eventuate, but this is an interesting thought.
Trends for the National Party.
Food supply & water supply are shaping as global dominant paradigms.
Environmental & climate change issues are also global themes.
At a national level, farmers are recognized by many as best equipped to manage these themes. (Farming in Australia is a different practice than the USA).
Coupled with a disillusionment with ideological hollow dogma of detached city politicians, the trends support a resurgence by country politicians.
Issues create Opportunities.
The efficiency in farming of a country, creates the opportunity for members of society to be employed in jobs other than food production. Compared with Hunter Gatherers.
Although obvious, these points are often forgotten. Primal human forces are artfully outlined by Azar Gat in his in-depth tome War in Human Civilization
Nascent trend analysis, by 2thinknow, leads to the view that the National Party may well indeed experience a renaissance based on practical policies in water, food & environment.
There are no forces more intrinsically fundamental to the economy. Food. Water. Environment.
Food & Water, then Money.
Those discussing the economic crisis fail to see that this short-to-mid-term trend is overtaken by the dominant long term themes of threats to environment, food & water supply.
In short, 2thinknow view survivability & population as dominant themes.
Survivability trumps means of exchange.
Past & Future.
And in Australia, let’s not forget Robert Menzies force in the Liberals & Nationals.
In the future, watch Barnaby Joyce, Nationals leader.
Lehman Brothers collapse impacted the impetus of Turnbull as a viable Federal alternative. Turnbull is ideologically big city, big money.
And other than a return to Victoria’s more thoughtful Costello, or perhaps Sydney’s likeable action man Hockey, federally the Liberal party lacks leadership. Unless Victoria’s can-do Kennett stands up. But Jeff has vocal enemies.
Federally there is a Liberal vacuum, other than investment banker Turnbull who is a troubling figure for many Australians.
Perhaps Barnaby Joyce may become Opposition Leader? Interesting.
Or could it be in 8-12 years, another Queenslander (albeit born in NSW) or perhaps a West Australian in charge?
It’s 8 years away… but…
Whatever way it goes, regional Australia (& the National party) will produce a future leader mid-term. And at this early stage, it’s likely to be Barnaby Joyce.
What do you think? Can you see Barnaby Joyce or someone else as the the next generation of Australian leader? Do you support a resurgence of the country parties?
Barnaby Joyce for PM? Unless we turn back the clock and refuse women the right to vote, I don’t think Barnaby has much chance… having said that, I agree with you about Turnbull. I like him in the same way that I liked Latham – he’s got balls – but unfortunately for Turnbull the similarities don’t end there. It seems that he doesn’t have much support in his own party room and his flippant comments to the media smack of inexperience and policy made on the run. I think Costello is still the best chance they have at the next election – not that he can win but he’s their best chance.
In eight years time? I’ll leave that to you guys at 2thinknow – your crystal ball seems to be more polished than mine.