Second chance for Henry

Just like a well-aimed boomerang, he returned to New Zealand's shores.

EVERYONE deserves a second chance; even journalists.

Television presenter and radio personality Paul Henry is someone you either hate or love.

Seems he failed at a bid in politics as the Wairarapa National Party candidate in 1999, losing to Georgina Beyer by more than 3000 votes.

Over the years since, he's made pretty controversial comments on live television and radio - putting him offside with plenty of people including myself.

From racial comments to his views on homosexuality, asylum seekers and some of the most vulnerable in our community, the intellectually challenged, not many escaped his less than politically correct rants.

Nearly 200 complaints were made to the Broadcasting Standards Authority when he called singer Susan Boyle a "retard".

I despised the man and vowed to never buy into his form of gutter journalism. In fact it was a pleasure to hear he'd jumped the ditch to Aussie a while back. But just like a well-aimed boomerang, he returned to New Zealand's shores - much to the dismay of many, including moi, it was to host his own show.

To tell you the truth, I thought he had run his course in the media. "Horrified" is how I described his TV3 comeback with the Paul Henry Show taking over from Nightline week nights.

In fact I sent a text to a friend stating I'd be watching One News from then on.

Then one night I forgot to change the channel and, to be honest, he seems to have mellowed slightly. In fact, he is quite funny. I'm not sure if it was because he had learned a lesson from past mistakes or that he had just matured; either way he is easy to listen to these nights.

No name calling or putting his foot in his mouth - well not as much or as insulting these days for Henry.

If you get the chance to hear him on councils, I'm convinced you too won't be able to hold back curling your lips in a smile. He says what most of us wish we had the guts to voice. As an alternative way of delivering entertaining news, from his lounge to everyone tuned in, he's worth a second chance.