Senator Haughton’s penchant for misspeaking

In the first instance, Dr Haughton muffed his well-intentioned remarks in paying tribute to breast cancer victims and survivors in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In the latest instance he expressed views about the economic impact of a two-percent reduction in General Consumption Tax (GCT), contradicting positions posited by the Leader of the Opposition, Dr Peter Phillips as well as Shadow Finance Minister Mark Golding.   As a result, the young senator had to offer an apology  for not being aware of the previously stated position of his party.

“Truthfully, my comments on the GCT reform have encroached on the party leadership and the Shadow Ministry of Finance and no disrespect was meant by it. As a new member of the Shadow Cabinet, I was unaware of previous discussions and decision on tax policy, which falls in the portfolio of the Leader of the Opposition and the Shadow Minister of Finance,” Haughton said. 

In my view, that was sloppy work by Dr Haughton. As an academician, the public expects him to do his homework. Being relatively new to the political arena, Dr Haughton appears to be searching for the right balance between being an academician and a politician. He runs the risk of damaging his personal brand as a serious academic and economics thought leader, which perhaps explains his impulsive response to the Opposition’s proposal to reduce GCT.  

I believe the  Opposition party should give him space for independence of thought in the Senate – a role played well in the past by the likes of Alfred Rattray, Fred Hamaty and currently KD Knight.  If Dr Haughton hopes to have a long and successful career as a public official, he needs to get professional public relations counsel. Repeated misspeaking, followed by apologies, can irreparably damage his reputation and brand.

Byron Buckley is a media and communication specialist for more than 30 years. Visit Prangle Media to read his blogs or send feedback to editorial@oldharbournews.com.