I take that statement back

At the time of Steve Irwin’s death, I said:

“I’ve got to say that I think the Irwins have conducted the funeral and memorial arrangements for Steve with great dignity. It could have degenerated into a circus, but they’ve been quite private, have acknowledged gratefully the public grieving for him, and now have his public memorial service at the most apt venue for it, the Crocoseum at Australia Zoo. Behind the Crocodile Hunter persona were clearly some very well grounded and sensible people.”

Well, I take that statement back. Whatever dignity there was has been overtaken by the endless grab for publicity, presumably to cash in on the Crocodile Hunter’s name and fame while he is still reasonably fresh in people’s memories.

Of late we’ve had:

• Terri Irwin getting sick and being carried off a plane in a wheelchair … of course that is news. Not to mention the baby Bob having a public birthday celebration at Australia Zoo;
• news that 4 year old Bob is said to be following in his father’s footsteps …. according to a spokesperson for the family “Terri always says how much he is like his dad in that he can pick animals before anyone else sees them - he has that sixth sense I guess.” Yep, 4 year old conservationist, sure, right!
• the continued hype over Bindi Irwin and her “career” - for fuck’s sake, let the kid grow up normally as a kid, not Steve junior.
• Terri Irwin flogging her book, including such newsworthy revelations that Steve was “hot in the cot”.

OK, enough. I’ve had it with them. They have blotted their copybook since Steve Irwin died, like thee family and hangers on have an insatiable need to be in the spotlight.