Joe Swash
Joe told Robert that he had a valid opinion like everyone else in the Group.
Robert pointed out that he should listen to what people had to say in response. "I can just give my input and then step out because it’s not my argument. If it’s my argument you sit and defend yourself" said Joe.
But Esther stuck up for Joe. "I thought it was very courageous what he did." Robert disagreed. "It’s only courageous if he stayed to face the music afterwards."
Joe said: "I’ve got an opinion like everybody else. I can chuck it in." But Robert responded: "Don’t come with a tirade and then p*ss off. If you do your tirade you’ve got to wait for the repercussions. I don’t mind the tirade but don’t do it to me because I’ll come running after you."
He continued: "It’s like a Minister going and making a statement and then not taking questions from the Press. It’s all very trivial anyway."
But Esther continued to defend Joe in the Bush Telegraph. "I’m a bit disappointed in Robert because he attacked Joe after leaving and not allowing Robert to argue with him because Robert loves an argument but doesn’t seem at all aware of what it cost Joe to make that speech."