Australian PM Tony Abbot is all over the news for gulping down a pint of beer in just six seconds. Just a couple of chants from the crowd at a bar, and Abbot was on the job.
Perhaps Tony Abbott has something to prove. Back in 2010, he faced considerable ridicule for ordering a ‘shandy lite’ during the election campaign, according to The Guardian.
After all, many an Australian PM has been known for a robust love for a little liquor. Have a look at former Aussie PM Bob Hawke downing a beer during an India-Australia cricket match
Around the world, heads of state have openly enjoyed a drink. Barack Obama’s love for beer is well known. JFK, an Irish-Catholic, also enjoyed a drink. And can you imagine a French President who doesn’t drink a bit of wine?
Let’s turn to India. Not a single Prime Minister has admitted to drinking. Bear in mind, we are not talking about a deep alcoholics anonymous style confession. Just admitting to enjoying an occasional glass of wine, or a little snifter before bed.
In fact, Atal Bihari Vajpayee is the only PM to have not categorically denied having a drink. But then he was the poet-politician, and a peg in the evening certainly helps the words flow.
Do we really believe that a man as suave and worldly as Nehru never drank? Or that Indira Gandhi didn’t enjoy an occasional glass of wine?
Of course not.
But as long as Indians insist on public puritanism, no leader can really admit to the simplest of pleasures. A nice stiff drink.
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