Health Minister John Della Bosca was outed when his lover went to a daily newspaper and confessed their affair. Following convention, he fell on his sword and resigned his portfolio.
It seems strange that in this modern world we have vastly different standards to apply to people, depending on what they do for a living.
Politicians get the worst of both worlds. They get blamed for the nation's ills, and at the same time their personal life must be above blemish. That same public - many of whom have either had an affair sometime in their past - or are in the middle of one at the moment - are the first to beat their breast and point the finger of scorn.
There seems to be little consistency in attitudes to affairs. If it concerns a prominent sports person the public do not cease to attend matches and boycott that person. If anything, the media glorify the tryst and make money exploiting both sides of the story.
Captains of industry seem to avoid tarnish. One of the richest men in Australia openly supported a mistress and this was common knowledge, but he was still on the A list whenever invitations were concerned.
Then there are the ordinary men and women who yield to temptation. In some instances that leads to a one night stand after a few social drinks - and in others it leads to affairs that go on for years.
Sometimes this leads to marital disaster. Sometimes to a confrontation, followed by forgiveness !
The sad thing about the John Della Bosca affair is that he was one of the few competent performers in this state government, and now one of the critical portfolios beset with terminal trouble is vacant - and likely to be awarded to a far lesser minister.
Perhaps it is time that our definition of sin got a makeover !
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