Who’s Mark McCormack? An investigation into Australia’s most mysterious politician
The Australian Financial Review says one of these blokes is set to become leader of the National Party. AFR Weekend’s front page, Saturday:
Mark McCormack and David Littleproud are shaping up as favourites.
Mark McCormack? The former star of Young Talent Time? Seven Network’s The Daily Edition, April 7, 2015:
Looking back did you think that Dannii (Minogue) would go to the stardom she was destined to achieved?
McCormack: Well, destiny is a funny thing.
They can’t mean legendary (and late) sports broadcast producer Mark McCormack? The International Tennis Hall of Fame’s web page, 2008:
In 1990, Sports Illustrated named Mark Hume McCormack the “Most Powerful Man In Sport.” ...
Although the late McCormack would have been a natural fit in the Nationals. Amazon Books website, December 31, 2001:
Never Wrestle with a Pig and Ninety Other Ideas to Build Your Business and Career by Mark H. McCormack.
Might it be Mark McCormack the local Victorian footballer? Colac Herald, September 6 last year:
McCormack is the strong favourite to win the Colac district league’s highest individual honour tonight, after just his second year of football ...
Or does the Fin mean this bloke? Nationals MP Michael McCormack on Sky News, February 19:
Ashleigh Gillon: I’m asking again, does Barnaby Joyce have your support as that Nationals’ leader?
McCormack: Barnaby Joyce has done a very good job ...
Gillon: ... Minister, I am going to give you one more chance ...
McCormack: Of course, I support Barnaby Joyce.
There’s at least one person who knows who Michael McCormack is. Sky News’s political editor David Speers on Twitter, yesterday:
I just heard Michael McCormack (favourite to become new Dep PM) referred to as “MickMack” ...
The Australian’s Peter van Onselen says what everyone’s thinking about the National Party leadership. PVO on The ABC’s Insiders, yesterday:
The difference between will and should. It will be Michael McCormack. It should be (Nationals deputy leader, Senator Bridget) McKenzie.
Bridget McKenzie has already got a big endorsement from a dinky-di Hollywood legend. Russell Crowe shares a tweet about McKenzie’s leadership potential on Twitter, yesterday:
Would be a brilliant move.
Alas, she doesn’t feel she’s a right fit. McKenzie on Insiders, yesterday:
Fran Kelly: (McCormack) went up against you as Deputy three weeks ago and you won that ballot. Why aren’t you standing?
McKenzie: ... I’m focused on making sure we unite as a team ... that’s why I ran for Deputy Leader and that’s why I want to remain Deputy Leader.
If the deputy prime minister’s main job is to be acting prime minister, surely the past week proved a senator can do it? Mathias Cormann on Nine Network’s Today, February 21:
Karl Stefanovic: Acting PM, good morning to you.
Cormann: Good morning. It does not start until later today.
Stefanovic: I know but ... how did it sound?
Cormann: Well, you know, I could get used to it.