SMITHSON: Cop that, Speirs
David Speirs shouldn’t be surprised or disappointed with his two drug convictions, writes Mike Smithson.
The former Liberal politician who aspired to be the next Premier of South Australia has always lived in a childish and delusional fog.
His inability to accept responsibility or tell the truth on such serious matters goes to the heart of his true personality.
He was convicted in the Adelaide Magistrates Court this morning on two counts of supplying cocaine.
Magistrate Brian Nitschke also fined him $9,000 and ordered he perform more than 37 hours of community service which will default to jail time he becomes a no-show.
Questions remain over his association with two young men dating back to his church leadership days. One was a recovering addict who was invited over social media to Speirs’ home during the cocaine scandal.
Speirs blames the media for unwanted attention and humiliation, which fed into his cocaine consumption.
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He wanted to be mercifully spared conviction as a result.
What a joke from someone who should know better.
Nitschke wouldn’t have a bar of that farce and delivered the appropriate penalty.
Speirs fancifully hoped that he would get off lightly with a slap on the wrist, allowing him to travel and get on with his life.
That again supports his notion of not being capable of copping it on the chin.
He may choose to appeal against the decision, but that could cause him further grief.
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In legal terms, an appeal doesn’t necessarily get heard or be upheld just because the accused doesn’t like the decision.
I have long held reservations about Speirs’ character, honesty and integrity.
He has publicly slammed me for that, which he’s entitled to do.
If there is a positive to come from this sad state of affairs it is that Speirs will never become Premier.
No surprises there, as he never had the talent or application for the top job.
The voters of Black have also been spared an MP who isn’t the real deal.
Don’t feel sorry for Speirs, as he wouldn’t return the compliment.
His mental health issues can now be dealt with appropriately and, in time, I hope he may change his ways.
Mike Smithson is weekend presenter and political analyst for 7NEWS Adelaide.
