Jacinda Ardern lets the side down

I rather think that it’s your thread title that’s “letting the side down” vickymeldrew.

Women pulling down other women and their achievements is something that I thought we had left in the past.
These are difficult and often dangerous times for women. The words we use to address each other has been weaponised against us as have the places and spaces we visit.

Nasty stuff

Sallymander what a glorious post

Yes, a mean headline indeed. Respect to Jacinda Ardern for making what must have been a very difficult decision.
Better to resign than to go on with less than total commitment.

Sallymander/henetha excellent posts. My thoughts exactly. OP's choice of headline is mean spirited.

I felt rather sad when I heard the news as I have huge respect for her and feel she was showing the world a different way to be a leading politician. However, I totally understand why she wouldn't wish to continue and I welcome her honesty, leading a country through such difficult times must sap every ounce of energy. I wish her well and hope she moves into another prominent world role when she is ready. Yes, I'm another who was rather shocked by the title!

I’m with all those who find this a mean-spirited thread title.
Perhaps OP would care to come back and explain her point of view?

There a MN thread about this, where NZers seem to be fairly equally divided between those sorry to see her go, and those who are thinking ‘good riddance’.

Yes I think the New Zealand electorate has to some extent a different view to the 'international's view, that is often the case for politicians.

Sorry rogue apostrophe.

Good grief, upon reading the thread title I thought the worst, corruption or worse, something we are well acquainted with in our own government. A very misleading and undeserved title for such a strong inspirational woman.

She certainly hasn’t let anyone down, simply realised for whatever reason, it is time to step down…oh how I wish we could impress this move to many, supposedly, taking care of the country here.

So many politicians don't last that long at the very top, she has always caught my attention when speaking instead of mentally switching off when I hear some leaders spouting .

Sadly went before she was pushed.
That gives her scope to return one day if she feels inclined.

Nearly six years is a long time for anyone to do such a demanding job.

How can anyone in this country criticise her for stopping now when we've had a PM who was outlasted by a lettuce?

She appears to me to have done a splendid and compassionate job. I'm sorry she's standing down but I support her standing down stance.

She led a coalition govt for three years before getting a labour majority in 2020. It takes real skill and diplomacy to do that and having got 50% of the vote in 2020 that's still 50% of the population who didn't vote for her. I wish we had more politicians like her here rather than women who believe they have to behave like men to have any credibility.

FannyCornforth

Casdon

What a mean heading. What side has she let down?
Admitting that you have no more to give and stepping down at that point is admirable whatever you think of somebody’s politics or how well they have done the job.

Totally agree.
I was quite astonished at the title.
Not being funny at all (honest!) - vicky, what do you mean by ‘letting the side down’?
I know very little of NZ politics, but I thought that she was admired world over for her strength and quality of leadership

She has shown strength of character and leadership through very difficult times.

However, I do know New Zealanders who are less than impressed with her decisions during Covid.
But that's always the way with politics. Can't please all of the people all of the time.

I don't know why she has resigned but at least she didn't have to be praised out with a winkle picker like some.

Prised not praised
Autocorrect changed the meaning totally 😲

has let the side down

What side has she let down vickymeldrew ?

Are you referring to women politicians, the NZ electorate, or NZ Labour Party?

I am rather confused by the title of the OP

Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Ardern, saying she “has shown the world how to lead with intellect and strength … She has demonstrated that empathy and insight are powerful leadership qualities.”

She should be applauded for what few women have achieved, being P.M of her country. It was a mean heading. Whose side is she meant to have let down,?It certainly wasn't woman, she got to the top in a high-powered job that in most cases is still a man's world.

Is there anything wrong with wanting to spend time with her daughter? Why would that (if true) be an ‘admission’ rather than an explanation? People take the impact on their families into account when making decisions about their jobs or careers all the time - why would JA be any different? If she put up for re-election she would be committing to a whole new term of office if elected. Maybe she wants another baby, or has any of a million reasons not to want that.

NZers may be disappointed that they won’t be able to vote for her next time, but nobody has a right to be disappointed in her as a person for exercising her right to make the same sort of choices that the rest of us do.

There aren’t too many politicians these days that are as decent as she is.

It's up to her. Her Party can cope with the consequences as best it may. At least she recognises the need to go. A pity some of our recent PMs didn't have the same capacity for self-reflection.

nanna8

There aren’t too many politicians these days that are as decent as she is.

That’s certainly the impression of her that I have, as a Brit who hears about her second hand.