‘Worked pretty hard at the years to hide it’: Dutton opens up about “emotional gene” inherited from his father | USAEMALL.com

Opposition leader Peter Dutton has spoken about the “emotional gene” he inherited from his father, in a video played at the Liberals campaign launch in Western Sydney.

The video, which featured messages from his wife and three kids, showed Mr Dutton speaking about his family – who also spoke about his “Mr Potato Head” nickname.

In the video, Mr Dutton said he felt he had inherited his “father’s emotional gene unfortunately”.

“I think I’ve worked pretty hard at the years to hide it. It doesn’t really get rewarded in our business, so better off not to show the vulnerabilities,” the former Queensland police officer stated.

“Be stoic and carry on, so that’s probably the reason. Stand up for what you believe in, to fight for your values.”

The Opposition leader’s father Bruce Dutton was rushed to hospital in Queensland on Tuesday after suffering a heart attack, reportedly just one hour before the debate began.

Mr Dutton later revealed he considered pulling out of the debate last-minute after hearing the news about his 80-year-old father.

However, his sisters were able to be by their father’s side with Mr Dutton deciding to go ahead with the debate.

“Of course you think about him. But he’s … fine and he’s doing well,” Mr Dutton said.

“Look, I thought, ‘Do I pull out of the debate?’, but my sisters were up there with him and giving me regular reports, which was good.

“He’s a great man, and I love him very much.”

Family ribs Dutton over Mr Potato Head ‘meme’

In the footage shown at the Liberals campaign launch, Mr Dutton’s wife Kirilly also mentioned a popular comparison made about her husband in recent years.

“The potato head thing was all a bit of a joke to us. We still often call you Mr. Potato Head,” she said.

“I’m pretty relaxed,” Mr Dutton said about the nickname.

“I can give back as good as I get.”

The video also featured his daughter Rebecca who works as a childcare worker.

“She’s madly saving as a childcare worker on a pretty low income” Mr Dutton said.

“When she does the sum, she realises that after five, probably even 10 years of really hard saving, she’s not going to be close to a deposit.”