Please list 10 qualities which you believe are the most important for a prime mininster and why?

The
following are not in order of importance:

A) Ability to connect with
constituents- All great leaders in history have had a penchant for being able to connect with
their citizens.  Leaders who have failed have probably failed in this domain.

B) Clarity of vision- The Prime Minister who knows their vision and can successfully
articulate it to the voting public is one who will be held in high regard.

C)  A keen understanding of the different cultures in their governance- All good
leaders will be able to understand the different cultures in their nations.  Political cultures,
ethnic/ racial cultures, class based cultures are but three of the many examples of cultures to
which a good Prime Minister must be able to appeal in both good times and bad ones.

D)  Coherent grasp of domestic issues-  There has to be a keen understanding of
domestic concerns that directly impact the Prime Minister's citizens.  Failure to understand and
address these issues will invariably create a gap between what the leader does and how it
impacts their citizens.

E) Good credibility- Throughout history, the best
Prime Ministers have maintained good credibility with the citizenry.  The reality is that when
the prime minister stands for one thing, s/he must have that credibility with the voting public
that says, "Trust me because this is what I believe and what I will do."  .

F)  Foreign power presence- The Prime Minister must be able to sit with heads of state
and articulate the vision that will invariably lead to dialogue and cooperation with other
nations.  If the Prime Minister is perceived as weak by foreign nations, this could have drastic
implications on a nation's ability to trade with other nations or maintain healthy and proactive
relationships with those nations.

G) Good grasp of parliamentary
constituents- It is important for a prime minister to understand the needs of their own
political party and the opposition parties.  Most prime ministers are subject to legislative
checks or limits on their power.  Due to this, they cannot afford to operate as if they are a
despot or a dictator.  Rather, they must listen and negotiate within their own parties or with
opposition parties.

H) Ability to "seize the moment"- Great leaders
are defined by how they handle "the moment."  Even Former President Bush is remembered
for his actions in the days following 9/11.  I am not sure a good Prime Minister or leader can
be taught to do this.  It must be instinctual and must seize the moment at the moment.

I)  Distinction, yet approachable- This one might be the softest quality on the list,
but I think it's important.  Great Prime Ministers have to be able to remain distinct, a symbol
for their nation.  Yet, they cannot be aloof or too distant.  They must be approachable.  Great
leaders must be unique individuals, distinct from us, but they have to be able to embraced by
us.  It's a trick balance to strike.

J)  Great politicians-  Every certain
number of years, Prime Minsters have to be able to go out into their public domains and convince
citizens to reelect them.  While doing this, they have to be in control of themselves and of
their surroundings.  Being a great Prime Minister/ President is one thing.