Michael Foley argued that prime ministers seek to separate themselves from the forces of constraint, be it parliament, cabinet or their own party. Yet most prime ministers are seldom able to stay on their lofty perch for long. Rival power centres, inept leadership and poorly handled events will do for any prime minister and even for ones with a modicum of popularity. The parliamentary system isn’t built for a president, although few prime ministers appear to have been informed, and continue to act like West Wing fanboys while in office.

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