ABSTRACT

The picture of the premiership that emerges is one of considerable authority and influence, circumscribed by many practical and political restrictions. The inherent authority of the Prime Minister’s office is not invincible but remains great. His freedom to hire and fire is hedged about with many restraints, but he still has much room for manoeuvre, especially in the allocation of portfolios. His control over the Cabinet committee system, official information, the machinery of government, civil service appointments and patronage are not immense if considered individually, but taken collectively are a notable addition to the other levers under his hand. Overall his scope for imprinting his views on policy is considerable. Nonetheless, his departmental colleagues are powerful and expert on their own ground; individually and collectively they are a potent check on an over-zealous premier.