POLITICS:

Peter Gleeson has resigned as the Queensland LNP’s public relations officer, sparking an urgent search for a replacement with a senior LNP official admitting: “It’s going to be almost impossible to find another Gleeso!”

“He was a real pro in every sense of the word,” the official said on the condition of anonymity.

Gleeson, who also undertook similar duties for the federal LNP in both government and Opposition with a steely devotion few could ever hope to match, quit after 34 years of service to his beloved side of politics.

The problem for the LNP in finding a suitable replacement is that Gleeson performed his duties while also working part-time as a columnist at The Courier-Mail and as host of Sky News programs in which a panel of talking heads tag-teamed to debunk the ALP at state and federal level.

“His exposure in both those forums certainly gave Peter extra clout as the LNP’s public relations officer and it’s very unlikely his replacement will have those advantages.”

In a short resignation note, Gleeson talked fondly of his 34-year career with “a fantastic company for which I have the highest respect”.

STOP PRESS: The LNP’s search for a new public relations officer has just been made a little easier with the editor of The Courier-Mail, Chris Jones, announcing that Gleeson’s desk at the LNP’s Bowen Hills branch would be offered to whoever is appointed to the position.

“He or she will also be offered the opportunity to become a columnist for us but with this proviso: for fuck’s sake, please try to write your own shit.”