Should David Cameron have gone on holiday over the bank holiday weekend? This question sparked huge debate in my household over the weekend, and I know from reading the papers that public opinion lends itself to the simple answer: no, he shouldn’t have.

I’m not so sure though. Was it an opportunity to show the country true leadership? Absolutely. But watching the Rigby family share their grief on live television, I am not sure the Prime Minister could do much to help. It’s also a poignant reminder that the time you have to spend with your family can be ripped from you at any point. Although David Cameron is the Prime Minister, he is still is a father, husband and son.  Not so long ago, a friend of mine from London was in Brisbane looking after her father who had suffered a massive heart attack. He died a week later after returning home to recover. I was flying to Sydney for my wedding and offered to attend the funeral in Brisbane – I will never forget her reply. She did not want to be the reason I was away from my family and told me ‘to appreciate every second you have with them’.

When David Cameron took on the role of Prime Minister, he and his family knew that it would consume their life. That’s the deal. And I do believe that cancelling his holiday would have shown great leadership in a time when his position and credibility is constantly in question. It may have even helped his ‘numbers’ but this would not be right. The media were adamant that the focus of this atrocity should not be used for political benefit, but to bring the community together. So maybe he did the right thing? Leaving the Rigby’s to grieve, not allowing terrorists to affect our daily lives, and sharing precious time his own family.