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Where members opposite all come a gutser is in the fact that members on this side all think that we were born to rule you. It has been ingrained in me from childhood to think that my mission in life is to run you, and the Prime Minister (Mr Hawke) thinks that his mission in life is to run you. In fact, the labour movement-that is, the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and the great industrial labour movement of Australia-thinks that its mission in life is to run you.

Paul Keating#3

PoliticsPowerGovernance

About this quote

What does it mean?
Keating claims the Labor Party believes its mission is to govern and rule the people.
In plain terms
We believe it is our job to run the country.
What can you take from it?
Political parties often view governance as their inherent duty.

Where it applies

  • election speeches
  • policy debates
  • public service

Putting it to work

  • assert mandate
  • define mission
  • justify authority

Questions to consider

  • Who should decide who governs?
  • What is the goal of political power?

Another view

Viewing oneself as born to rule can seem arrogant to citizens.

More from Paul Keating

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  3. From this day onwards, Howard will wear his leadership like a crown of thorns, and in the parliament I'll do everything to crucify him.

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