Teaching is best way to a seat in Cabinet

Teaching appears your best bet if you want to be a Cabinet minister in a Labour-led Government.

The warm-up act can be a stint in front of the classroom either at a university or school.

It doesn't hurt to have been a union representative either, and being in one of the teacher unions is a sure-fire way to advance your political career.

From Prime Minister Helen Clark down, there are four university lecturers, and five teachers - not including Police Minister Annette King, who did a stint as a tutor at the School of Dental Nurses.

There are also two union secretaries - although Lianne Dalziel, the Commerce Minister, combined law with being a trade union leader - another lawyer, a couple of farmers and a few businessmen.

Then there is a vet - Health Minister Pete Hodgson, who was also a fruit and vegetable retailer, and a public affairs person, Building Issues Minister Clayton Cosgrove.

Corrections Minister Damien O'Connor has the most varied background, including farmer, fencer and river guide.

Outside Cabinet, Foreign Minister Winston Peters is a former lawyer and Revenue Minister Peter Dunne was an Alcoholic Liquor Council employee.

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES