‘We all do things we are not proud of’ says Dowie
Invercargill MP Sarah Dowie has indicated the fallout from the Jami-Lee Ross saga has contributed to her decision to quit politics.
Dowie was put under intense media scrutiny in 2019 when it was revealed a text message was sent from her phone suggesting then National MP Ross – who she had an affair with – should die.
Police launched an investigation and decided not to pursue charges as the complaints did not reach the threshold of an offence.
However, speaking to Stuff yesterday, 44-year-old Dowie said the episode had been exhausting.
‘‘I have really enjoyed my time in politics, but let’s be honest, 2019 was a challenging year,’’ she said.
‘‘I dealt with that episode, scrutiny . . . some of the reports in the media were wide of the mark and untrue and I maintained my dignity and didn’t allow myself to be pulled into the mud.
‘‘So I just rose above it and worked really hard and I think eventually I came out on top, in that people could see the situation for what it was,’’ she said.
‘‘But I was exhausted, I was really tired, it took its toll on me and my family and friends who supported me.’’
As such, she wasn’t feeling so happy about heading north to Parliament in Wellington toward the end of last year.
She confided in a couple of people within the National Party and decided, on their advice, to take a break over summer and have a think about things.
‘‘I did that . . . and when it came to getting back on the plane for a two-day caucus, I didn’t want to.’’
When asked to address the text message to Ross and any regrets she may have, she said she explained it thoroughly in a police statement and was not charged.
‘‘There was no evidence to proceed further so people should put two and two together and see it for what it was.’’
There was ‘‘no point getting down to the weeds’’, she said.
‘‘People have to realise we are all human, we all do things we are not proud of, we make mistakes and make poor decisions.
‘‘But politicians are not holier than thou, we are representative of the people and I can assure you I am no better or worse than anybody who resides down here, and I hear it all.’’
She had a dig at ‘‘trolls’’ who sat behind computers and had their ‘‘ill-informed say’’.
‘‘That is one of the downsides of politics . . . their only desire is to tear someone down.
‘‘Would those people come up to me and say what they have said behind their screens? And the answer would be no because they haven’t got the guts.’’
When on February 11 Dowie announced her imminent retirement from politics (she will continue as an MP until the September election), she said she wanted to spend more time with her children, aged 9 and 7.
Her children were at a pivotal age and she wanted to be 100 per cent present to share in their successes, she said.
Dowie, who has been an MP for six years, said yesterday her two children were the most precious things in her life.
She was feeling ‘‘great’’ after announcing she was leaving politics. The National Party spokeswoman for conservation, Dowie was in line to be the minister of conservation if the National Party wins this year’s election.
It’s a role she has aspired to. However, if that happened it would mean even more time away from home than the four days she currently spends in Wellington each week.
She was not prepared to do that. ‘‘It’s tough to walk away from something you have wanted for so long but I have two gorgeous children who are the most precious things in my life.
‘‘I want normality, being an MP is not a normal life,’’ she said.
Dowie, a qualified lawyer, said the most rewarding part of her job was providing practical solutions for Southlanders who walked into her office asking for help.
‘‘That’s a real joy and that’s the work that keeps you grounded.’’
As for her future, she has law to fall back on, but sees herself in some sort of advocacy role.
Her future in Invercargill was uncertain, with Dowie saying it depended on what opportunities arose. ‘‘I am at peace with my decision ... I am leaving on my own terms, but it’s been a hell of a ride.’’