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.
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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