Editorial: In a parallel universe ...

Mark Dawson, editor, Wanganui Chronicle

ON the day that - in real life - a DIY shopper at Mitre10 complained at the labelling of a pink set of tools as "tool set ladies", in a parallel universe the general election campaign is heating up.

So, let's cut to that parallel universe and listen in on TVMediaNZ1's top news anchor, Jocasta Ardunby, grilling the Prime Minister.

Ardunby: "Prime minister, many people have expressed surprise that you have managed to have six children while simultaneously running the country these past years."

Bill Inglish: "Yes, there has been a lot of ill-informed comment ... comment that is entirely inappropriate in 2017."

Ardunby: "But how have you managed it? Are you suggesting men can multi-task as well?"

Inglish: "Absolutely - why can't men do it as well? We are not still living in the dark ages.
"I can change a nappy, warm a baby's milk bottle, do the ironing and shop for school uniforms as well as any women. Of course, as a man you have to do it that little bit better to be accepted.
"It's not easy and you have to juggle things, but I can do all that while going through the dispatch box, checking polling with a focus group, answering questions in the House and formulating policy."

Ardunby: "Very good, Mr Inglish. And what do you now say to all those commentators who said a man could never be Prime Minister?"

Inglish: "I believe I have proved them wrong, and I am proud to have led the way for other men to attain the highest offices in the land."

Ardunby: "Of course, critics will point out that it was actually your wife who gave birth to the children ... "

Inglish: "Well, that's just sexism rearing its ugly head. The man's role is just as important and those comments show we still have a way to go to enjoy true gender equality."

Ardunby: "Thank you, Mr Prime Minister ... by the way, I do love that tie you're wearing. Did your wife choose it?"

Inglish: "No comment."