It derives from the string of ill-advised comments from Senator Barnaby Joyce, Leader of the Nationals in the Senate and accident-prone Opposition Finance Spokesman. Say something silly and you’ve “done a Barnaby.”

Yesterday, NSW Nationals leader Andrew Stoner committed what is best described as a “Barnaby”, when he suggested the Coalition would if elected examine the feasibility of raising the Tallowa Dam wall to increase the Sydney Catchment Authority’s water storage capacity.

The comment was seized upon by the NSW Government and sent local Opposition political figures into a frenzy of damage control as they scurried to distance themselves from Mr Stoner’s comments.

Whether Mr Stoner’s comments were serious or just an unfortunate choice of words, the Nationals Leader would do well to study some local history. Then he might re-acquaint himself with the passion the Shoalhaven has for its river.

The future of the seat of Kiama might ride on the river issue and the NSW Opposition, which appears to think it has the next election sewn up, could snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in this pivotal electorate if it doesn’t rein in its Coalition partner.

Another “Barnaby” could prove fatal.