Over the years, we’ve witnessed numerous occasions in which debate has lapsed into regrettable bouts of verbal fisticuffs in and around the council chamber. In a couple of instances it’s spilled over into the offices of local media outlets.

Some years ago, during a broadcast of the Turf Talk program at local radio station 2ST, a stoush erupted in the foyer involving Joanna Gash and Gareth Ward. The exchange was so heated, so loud it could be heard in the soundproof studio and caused considerable distress for the radio station staff.

During Cr Gash’s term as Shoalhaven Mayor, debate often plummeted into fiery exchanges – often between Cr Gash and Cr Andrew Guile, with both pressing each other’s buttons. For the other councillors and the ratepayers watching, it was an unwelcome distraction from the serious business of formulating city policy.

Many times, we have reported on the poor behaviour of politicians, be it in the council chamber or in our state and federal parliaments. We have consistently said it benefits no one, least of all elected representatives engaging in it. 

In reporting on the break-up of Team Gash, we spoke to a number of councillors, who insisted on anonymity. All of them witnessed an outburst by Cr Gash directed at deputy mayor Patricia White. Cr Gash herself confirmed the exchange was heated.

For her erstwhile ally Cr White it was a bridge too far and brought about the destruction of the Team Gash group.

While we totally understand the frustrations faced by politicians, we urge them all to keep their tempers in check. And we remind them that even within the same political groupings and parties there will always be differences of opinions and times when people don’t get their own way. 

However, civic leaders should do their best to remain calm and reasonable and prosecute their arguments with dignity and reason. They should certainly refrain from public outbursts which will invariably reflect poorly on themselves.

Good leaders don’t shout, they convince by the strengths of their arguments and the clarity of their ideas.