I think most people feel more sorry for the PM's atrocious choices in politics and life rather that admiration. If a male had as much hide as her he would be considered arrogrant and unelectable. Comparing Thatcher with Gillard is an insult to Thatcher as she was more than competent.

Yes Julia is tough. But only tough in the same way an old Northern Territory drought master cow is tough, but at least they will have an excuse. After 12 years & 10 calves in that climate, anything could be excused for getting a bit tough.

Julia however, is just that way naturally, it's how she is made. Kind of like bitchy, only nastier.

Just like that old cow, any stake cut off Julia had better go in a stew, or be used to resole your boots. Anything obtained from Julia is sure to be a hell of a long way from nice.

Bill Heffernan's description of Julia Gillard is still the most accurate of all !

Individual, you are just as nasty as that disgusting Senator Heffernan.

I found his vile comments on Wikipedia:
"Heffernan caused widespread outrage by suggesting the unmarried and childless Deputy Leader of the Opposition Julia Gillard was unfit for leadership because she was "deliberately barren".[14] He continued: "I mean anyone who chooses to remain deliberately barren ... they’ve got no idea what life’s about."[15] Heffernan was later forced to apologise for the remarks.[16]"

How many male politicians don't have children?
Did anyone ever ask them why?
If not, why not?

Julia Gillard may not have a good political party behind her, but she is definitely a tough lady.
If I was faced with old man Heffernan's sexist remarks, I'm not sure if I could have handled my response as well as she did.

If I was constantly taunted about supposedly 'living in sin', being childless, or not believing in invisible beings in the sky, especially by people putting themselves out there as being above everyone else, I would not have been as tough or self-controlled as Julia.

I may well have dealt with unwelcome questions or comments like Tony Abbott did....
I would stand there on national television with a thunderous look on my face and be struck dumb!

If I was faced with old man Heffernan's sexist remarks, I'm not sure if I could have handled my response as well as she did.
Suseonline,
That's peanuts in comparison to the effects of her Governments policies which I have to face everyday.

Yes, individual - really - is that the absolutely "bestest", "mostest" you can come up with? Are you really as vacuous as you appear?

Actually I'm definitely not a fan of Ms Gillards, but crrrap like Heffernan's is just that : )

runner,

Yup - and good old Maggie was lucky enough to have the Falklands come along just when she needed it. Nothing like a good war to lift the patriotic fervour of a nation and overlook the foibles of its leader.