rumour is gillard cut her NZ trip short because of the damage it's done already.
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/pm-to-return-home-early-from-pacific-forum-20110908-1jyg9.html
why?
Just because someone has an arts degree doesn't give their disillusioned opinion any more weight. They are generally "less enlightened" than your average MP.