Leaders told to take a leaf out of thick-skinned O’Neill’s book

NORTHERN Governor Gary Juffa says he has learnt a lot from Prime Minister Peter O’Neill who has grown a thick skin to ignore social media criticism.
Juffa said that as leaders they were open to criticism and scrutiny from the public.
“We will always be criticised on social media, in the mainstream media, or at the buai market, bus or wherever. I think it comes with the territory. I think there are options available and put in place for those who are threatened, hurt, upset or insulted, for civil recourse, you can take it to the courts,” Juffa said.
“The law is being put into place like the cybercrime policies to at least manage to some degree what is said out there. I think if we move down the path of curbing social media, we will indeed attract hostility from our people who will say we’re attacking democracy and freedom of speech, so enjoyed by our people.
“All colleagues on that side of the House (Government) should take a leaf out of our prime minister’s book in that he has grown a very thick skin, and despite the many criticisms made against him, he doesn’t respond.
“He focuses on what he needs to do and does that.
“Good lesson. Let’s focus on what we have to do and get out there and do it.
“It comes with the territory, we are leaders, we will be criticised. I’m regularly criticised as well.”