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The Meaning of Headlines: 'digs her heels in' - politics




The Canberra Times published an article on February 19, 2016, in its Federal Politics section, with the headline: ‘Mackellar preselection: Bronwyn Bishop digs her heels in during the messy battle over her future.’ What does ‘digs her heels in’ mean?

The Free Dictionary defines ‘dig one’s heels in’ as an idiom meaning ‘to refuse to alter one’s course of action or opinions; to be obstinate or determined.’ It adds that it means ‘to refuse to do what other people are trying to persuade you to do, especially to refuse to change your opinions or plans.’

Therefore it seems as if Bronwyn Bishop is refusing to do something, or is not changing her position or opinion about something. Who is Bronwyn Bishop? Australian member for the Mackellar electorate, Bronwyn Bishop, was Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2013 to 2015, having been a member of the Liberal Party since 1994. She was Minister for Defence, Industry, Science and Personnel (1996-1998) and Minister for Aged Care (1998-2001). She holds the record for the longest period of parliamentary service by a woman.

The article states that 2015 was not a good year for Bishop, describing her as ‘the Liberal with the bulletproof beehive’ in reference to her hairstyle. Last year she lost the speakership position (the third highest position in Australia, after the Prime Minister and the deputy PM) in ‘embarrassing circumstances.’ This was due to her helicopter ride to a fundraising event, which taxpayers paid for. Bishop eventually paid the costs ($5,000) and stood down from her position. This was known as the ‘choppergate’ incident. But there was more to the incident than the use of a helicopter – her party were not happy with her voting preferences.

The article states that Bishop was not standing down from politics entirely – she told her staff that she was going to continue for another three years. ‘Mrs Bishop retains the backing of two key figures of the centre right faction’ and ‘despite her forgettable 2015, Mrs Bishop remains revered and not just for two decades in Mackellar. During her time in the Senate, she worked tirelessly …’ She has been described by her constituents as a ‘class act’ and people will ‘fly the flag’ for her.

The concluding remark is that ‘if she survives preselection, Bishop will likely get her wish: to retire on her own terms in 2019 with the stench of choppergate a distant memory.’

Scorecard for The Canberra Times is 98%. Bronwyn Bishop is indeed digging her heels in the political mire, in an attempt to stay in politics for another three years. Digging in high heels (a reference to her footwear) is expected to ensure a greater hold on the rough terrain of politics. However, it seems as if her heels have a firm grip on the situation, and she is determined not to change her course. Quotes from the former Speaker – in her own words – would have given this article headline full marks.  

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/mackellar-preselection-bronwyn-bishop-digs-her-heels-in-during-the-messy-battle-over-her-future-20160219-gmydhp.html





MARTINA NICOLLS is the author of:- The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).
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