By CAROLINE STRAINIG
FORMER Federal Lyne MP Rob Oakeshott has launched a tell-all memoir about his most turbulent times in politics, apologising in advance for some of the language used.
“There are some pretty pointed conversations in there,” Mr Oakeshott said.
“There is a sense of the uncomfortable. It gets rough, but that is dealing 150 people in parliament all trying to crawl over the top of each other to get the result they want.
“For those three years I found myself right in the middle of that. I just apologise for the language.”
Called The Independent Member for Lyne, the book focuses on the 43rd parliament, when Mr Oakeshott and fellow independents Tony Windsor and Bob Katter played a pivotal role, helping Labor form government in 2010. The trio also became the crucial votes for the passage of any contested legislation through the House of Representatives.
Mr Oakeshott said his memoirs were the real story of what happened and some of what he had written would pull on stereotypes.
“There are going to be all sorts of people who say ‘That’s not how I remember it’,” he said. “My response is ‘Go write your own book’.
“It is through my eyes. It is my story. Politics is subjective.”
The book launch on Tuesday in Port Macquarie was more like a love-fest political campaign meeting than a book launch, with the CWA tea rooms packed to overflowing and those present cheering and clapping at every possible opportunity.
Many had known Mr Oakeshott for years because of his long history representing the Hastings area, which included terms as a National-endorsed State member and Independent State member before entering Federal politics.
The stalwart politician eventually retired before the last Federal election, facing defeat at the hands of the National Party, his former party, which he had walked away from.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council mayor Peter Besseling spoke fondly of Mr Oakeshott at the launch, describing him as a person of integrity who stood up for what he believed in and not only talked the talk, but walked the walk.
The Independent Member for Lyne is available from Big W in Port Macquarie and also online from selected bookstores. The recommended retail price is $32.99.
