I'm not talking about whether he 'sounds like a straight up guy'. Credit where credit's due - he's a very clever politician, has become quite media savy and has his own party screwed down pretty tight. Matters of policy I can accept (but don't have to like) and understand that some agree and others don't - always going to be the way when you have a democratic country. That's why peanut butter is offered in both smooth and crunchy right
We're similar to you in that we have a small proportion of swing voters that effect the result of an election.
What I can't accept from any govt is appealing to peoples prejudices, demonising segments of society and lying(plenty documented) to attract votes and play the wedge/fear game. Regardless of the issue it's not a great example to set & dosn't lead to a good society imo. I feel leadership should be exactly that - leading for the good.
I do agree fint that it's a good thing to act out of conviction and not on polling data. Most of this govts & JH's lowlights have come from appealing to the polls rather than acting on what's right, and these are precisely the sorts of actions that make me feel disappointed. I'd guess they were justified as 'for the greater good' ie you can't govern if you don't win the polls. Either way it leaves a very unpleasant taste in my mouth - whether he sounds like a stand up guy on a sound byte or not.
Edit - should add that it's not a politicians job to govern by their own moral code but rather to represent their citizens. It's not an autocracy or dictatorship. To me that means representing all of the countries citizens - not just the 30 to 40% that sit in your own corner.