Our dearly beloved Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, will be taking a few days off after having a wisdom tooth removed. It caused me to reflect on my young neighbour who recently had four out but, with a two year old and no nanny, kept calm and carried on under some distress.
Jacinda apologised to journalists for going into more detail than they would have liked but she didn’t want to start speculation and told them she may not be in the Beehive on Monday. The detail we would really have liked to hear was that she had decided to not come back at all. She said she had issues with her wisdom teeth for three years. Yes, well we have had issues with you for over two years dearie so we know what it feels like.
Jacinda didn’t know what the cost would be, she hadn’t had the final quote. See, they operate in their private life just like they do in Government, just charge ahead without knowing what the final costs will be. Does this mean the taxpayer is footing the bill? She says she knows it will be reasonable. Oh yes, so it’s special treatment (if you’ll pardon the pun) for the PM is it?
She confirmed there was not, in fact, a special dental clinic for Prime Ministers in New Zealand. What’s the bet that will be next on her list of spending priorities. There’s something for the Taxpayers Union to keep an eye on. In a moment of humbleness she said she just goes to the dentist like everyone else. Every time she goes she reflects on the cost of it. Like everyone else, although she didn’t say that.
So this gallant woman who, in getting things done has been toothless from day one, will in reality be minus one. To exacerbate matters it’s a wisdom one.
Can she afford to lose it?