Goodbye, Papa Smurf

DAVID O’Byrne’s new beard, one that political opponents said made him look like a “small Sean Connery” and Papa Smurf, is gone — but the Labor politician didn’t get rid of it for free.

Huonville High School organised a fundraiser for the World’s Greatest Shave last month, enlisting the local Labor member’s beardgrowing talents on February 27 to raise a bit of extra money.

Speaking at Huonville High following his afternoon shave, a barefaced Mr O’Byrne thanked everyone for their “constructive advice”.

“The beard’s off so I’m no longer Papa Smurf or a small Sean Connery and we’ve raised some great funds so thanks to all those that have been constructive in their advice about my facial hair, it’s off for a good cause,” Mr O’Byrne said.

The Huonville school community banded together to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation through the World’s Greatest Shave, well exceeding their goal of $200. Including donations made on the day, the high school raised more than $2000.

The Opposition spokesman for roads and infrastructure saw his beard surge in popularity this week when the State Government spent part of parliament’s first question time of 2019 roasting him.

“Last night someone said to me that [O’Byrne] looked a bit like a small Sean Connery but I said he was more like a tall Papa Smurf to be honest,” Treasurer Peter Gutwein joked.