In South Australia the Liberal Party has just elected its third leader in as many years. In the lead up to the ballot there was much discussion as to which of the three candidates would make the better leader, but few asked the question whether or not there was anyone in State Parliament who was worthy to lead their party, let alone be premier. Reflecting further I cast my eyes beyond the state and asked the question: where are our political leaders?

This is not an exercise in partisan politics. Rather it is an attempt to ask the question whether or not the very nature of political life is such that it frustrates the chances of any genuine leader taking charge of his or her party; and whether or not we are so jaded and dulled that people who are able to make a real contribution to political life are bound to fail to win sufficient support to form a government.

So what are the characteristics of political leadership?

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