I've always been interested in politics. I vividly remember meeting member of Parliament and Speaker Stan Whitehead when I was 10 years old. A towering figure with a booming voice; the impression he left on me was huge. A few years later, I was introduced to Prime Minister Sir Bill Rowling. You could tell he was just a lovely man and, dare I say it, kind. They were very different men, but both commanded a great deal of mana. My being here makes the memories of these encounters even more special. But I'm sure, like my father, they would have been much happier if I was sitting on the opposite side of the House.