'Model' PM Clark

By JOHN ARMSTRONG

Helen Clark has been likened to a model among the world leaders attending the Apec Summit in Brunei.

"Helen Clark does not live like a politician," wrote Brunei's Express. "Her features remind us of a fashion model.

"She has a beautiful face and warm smile for her advantage. But for her, politics is not a show business. A lover of music and art, Helen is the only fair touch of the Apec gallery of leaders."

The Prime Minister yesterday said she was very flattered by the newspaper's comments, "but I don't think I live up to it every day."

The PM will retain one golden memory of Brunei - an 18-carat gold brooch studded with eight rubies.

The "lapel pin," designed by her host, identified her as one of the 21 leaders, and the sole woman leader, attending the Asia-Pacific summit in the oil-rich sultanate.

A spokesman for the PM later said she would consider putting the brooch on public display as she didn't wear a lot of jewellery.

Herald Online feature: Apec