Who should become Minister of Magic?

He'd get my vote.

And after all, Ron did say that if Griffindor won the Quidditch Cup in OotP, that his Dad would become MoM. They won, and it just seems like the kind of thing JK would do to put stock in that random statement.

No. While I think Mr. Weasley would be able to play an important role in the Ministry rebuilding the Wizarding community’s respect for muggle rights, he has neither the intellect or the force of personality to make an effective head of state.

And furthermore, I think he’d rather devote his time to the coming tide of grandchildren than working 18 hour days for the next dozen years.

I can't see Mr. Weasley as Minister of Magic, it just doesn't suit him. He doesn't have that drive for power, you know? I'm sure he could do it, but I don't think it's something that he'd want.

I can't see Mr. Weasley ever wanting to become Minister of Magic. He has a completely wrong personality for it, which isn't a bad thing... it just makes him being Minister rather far fetched. I also cannot imagine that if Kingsley became a permanent minister rather than an interim one, that Mr. Weasley would be fit to take over from him once Kingsley left office.

I think he's a bit too enthusiastic when it comes go Muggle relations, imagining him meeting wth the Muggle Prime Minister to discuss matters wouldnt go very successfully would it? Arthur would be oggling at a cell phone or a water dispenser or a coffee maker or something like that.

I really cant picture Mr. weasley as the minister of magic...he doesnt have that forceful persona, or that kind of intellect to become one..indeed he'd be good as an advisor, but not as the leading man..I think Shacklebolt looks a good MoM to me, even Bill Weasley's not a bad idea, but evntuallly I think it would be Hermione (why cant they have a female minister? she'd be perfect) or harry

Jk said once that Mr. Weaslye would never be one...

From JKR's website:

Section: F.A.Q.
Will Arthur Weasley be the new Minister for Magic?

Alas, no.

It doesn't say that he never will be Minister, but I think it would be safe to assume that he doesn't ever become Minister of Magic.

I don't think Arthur would take the job. He loves his family to much, i recon it'd be just the same as being PM in britain, your family gets put on the back burner major style.

Besides he loves muggles to much to leave his dept

I'd like to see him as minister for magic. It might be unlikely but I like the idea.

I think it wouldn't work. He'd go to meet the Prime Minister and ask him about the function of a rubber duck....

I think he couldn't abandon his family in such a way, and I also think his Gryffindor streak shines through. He's not exceptionally ambitious, this has been proven.

I do think that would be very cool if it were to happen. However I cannot see him being able to give that kind of comitment to anything other than his family.

I'm still thinking it was Kingsley..I mean just look at his name. Kingsley Shacklebolt. I mean, I always figured he'd turn out to be minister and take the shackles and bolts off of everyone, and be a good guy. It is in his name.

i found it so cool it was Kingsley!!
i mean he's a black man. in our countries, no one rules our country. it's a great thing what JK did.

I think we have to remember that in one of the books it was mentioned after Draco critized Mr.Weasley for not being so high up, that it was said that he could've gotten a promotion anytime, but was happy were he was.

I don't see him as Head Honcho material.

He is perfectly happy working with all of the muggle related things that he already does.

Also, as minister I don't think that he would have enough time for his family, which is reason enough for him to turn down the position.

Mr Weasley probably went back to what he enjoyed doing all his life, learning about muggles and thier way of life. Kingsley Shacklebolt will be the Minister of Magic.

As much as I'd like to see Arthur as MoM; I must say that Shaklebolt is a good candidate for the position. He is strong and a good leader.

Plus he's cooler than Mr. T eating an ice cube inside an Alaskan refridgerator:

'You gotta admit, Dumbledore's got style!'

I think there would be some great humor in Mr. Weasley being nominated and seeing Molly get the chance to tell Slughorn- "Ha! So he wasn't good enough for your "Slug Club", was he? Who's laughing now?"

But honestly, I don't think he'd be the best minister- for all the reasons everyone else has already listed.

I don't see him him as MoM. Let say that he did become the next MoM, I think that he would try to get to the muggles and the wizards together somehow. I think that would be cool.

My first instinct is to say no way. Mr. Weasley cannont be Minister of Magic, it is just not like him. But then I just thought about how one of the things said in the book (though I do not remember who said it, actually now I'm doubting it was in the book at all, but I think it was) that those who tend to do best in power are those who never sought the power in the first place. I think Mr. Weasley could fit this description very well.

I do not think he would want to be MOM...that would be a job for say....Ernie McMillan

I think that Ernie McMillan would let the job get to his head a bit too much. I think the he is exactly the type of person that should not be in power because they are too easily corrupted. I could see him becoming a second Fudge if he were to become Minister. I think Mr. Weasley would be a much better choice. Not as far as whether or not the person wanted it, but as far as who would do best in the job.

I think Ernie could make a good head of Dept, like International Relations. Id say he'd be a good diplomat but never give him the top job, too easily corrupted.

Arthur Weasley bless his cotton socks, wouldnt be a good MoM and quite frankly I dont think he'd want it. Its just not him is it? Id say he got a big promotion though within Muggle Relations.

Kingsley for MoM and when he retires Hermione!

I don't really think he would be a very good Prime Minister, and I think that he is too attached to his family to take up such a demanding job even if he was offered the position. I think that he prefers his current job, or at least the job he had before, the one to do with muggles, since I doubt even seeing Voldemort would be able to deprive him of his fondness of muggles.

If Arthur Weasley becomes MoM:

Someone knocks on his office door.

Arthur Weasley: Yes, who is it?

Ministry Official: Minister! There has been an uprising!

Arthur: Good Lord, who?

Official:The Death Eaters, sir, they're back; they've infiltrated Hogwarts and are holding the pupils hostage. They are threatening to execute the teachers if we don't allow them total control of the Ministry!

Arthur: Prepare a car! I'll be ready just as soon as finish dismantling this rubber duck.

My believe is that he wouldn't want it, but I see him as more of someone dealing with the Muggle World. After all it's his hobby to figure out how things Muggle work, maybe he'll even find out the importance of a rubberduck

I actually hoped Kingsley Shacklebolt would become MoM but maybe he would become Head of the Aurors and Arthur would become Minister.

i think kingsley would a good candidate, with his very reassuring demeanour, which is so essential to being a minister of magic

I've always been a supporter of this theory, because Arthur has those qualities unlike those of Fudge or Scrimgeour. But now that Kingsley is made stand-in Minister, I find myself liking him more.

There was always that joke Ron made, and he has a tendency to tell jokes that eventually come true. That was most of the reason why I supported the theory, as well as fan fiction having Mr. Weasley become Minister for Magic :lol:

I think Arthur would be more suited to head an office pertaining to Muggle Relations instead of serving as Minster of Magic. I do believe he deserves a high position after being "dissed" for so many years, but the top position doesn't seem right for him, in my opinion. (However, I would rather see him as Minister rather than someone like Fudge.)

In JKR's webchat that happened earlier this morning, she confirmed that Kingsley was made permanent Minister of Magic, although I cannot now find the exact quote. However, these all allude to it:

Leaky Cauldron: What, if anything, did the wizarding world learn, and how did society change, as a direct result of the war with voldemort? (i.E., not as a result of harry, ron and hermione's future careers.)
J.K. Rowling: The Ministry of Magic was de-corrupted, and with Kingsley at the helm the discrimination that was always latent there was eradicated.
J.K. Rowling: Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny et al would of course play a significant part in the re-building of wizarding society through their future careers.

...

Tineke: What happened to percy did he return to his job at the ministry
J.K. Rowling: Yes, the new improved Percy ended up as a high-ranking official under Kingsley.

...

Steph: Will azkaban still use dementors?
J.K. Rowling: No, definitely not. Kingsley would see to that. The use of Dementors was always a mark of the underlying corruption of the Ministry, as Dumbledore constantly maintained.

Given this information, I would assume that by the time Kingsley retired, Arthur would be much too old to be taking over the Ministry.

I think Mr Weasley was too interested in the Muggle World to take anything more time consuming than head of the Muggle relations dept (or whatever the title) - unless he also got involved with healing the rift between wizards and goblins and other magical creatures. Although that sounds more like something Bill might have done down the road.

Given this information, I would assume that by the time Kingsley retired, Arthur would be much too old to be taking over the Ministry.


That depends on how long Kingsley was Minister. But I do think that Kingsley and Arthur are about the same age.

However, I suspect that before too long Arthur got heavily involved with spoiling his grandchildren. :cool: Still, I suspect he might be Ron, Harry and Hermione's boss as Head of the Magical Law Enforcement Department.

Arthur would be a great minister, however I don't think he would ever have accepted the job. It's not fair to Molly, who was already missing her husband a lot due to his activities at the Muggle protection Department. It's more likely to me that Arthur continued to work with Muggle protection and then gradually retired. Kingsley as Minister of Magic is a perfect choice.

People seem to think that Kingsley will stay on as MoM. Wasn't he only a temporary minister?

What about someone completely different, possibly Luna, we did not find out what happened to after Hogwarts, or Neville after teaching at Hogwarts?

Although this would be nice for the Weasley family who would finally get their deserved revenge over the Malfoys and other stuck up pure blood familys who think their blood traitors,
Kingsley is a better leader and a stronger Minister than Arthur would be, plus I don't think Arthur would want the responsibility, he would rather spend more time with his family.

People seem to think that Kingsley will stay on as MoM. Wasn't he only a temporary minister?

What about someone completely different, possibly Luna, we did not find out what happened to after Hogwarts, or Neville after teaching at Hogwarts?

Actually JKR said in the Bloomsbury web chat that Kingsley became permanent Minister of Magic.

Luna became a famous naturalist traveling the world discovering new animals and married the grandson of the writer Newt Scamander, also a naturalist called Rolf.

I don't think Mr. Weasley wants that kind of a position

i do not think that he became MoM cuz hes just not that kind of person. i think that kingsley would make a better 1 and she did mention he was placed temporary MoM so maybe they the ministry decided to let him stay as minister.

Actually JKR said in the Bloomsbury web chat that Kingsley became permanent Minister of Magic.

Luna became a famous naturalist traveling the world discovering new animals and married the grandson of the writer Newt Scamander, also a naturalist called Rolf.

Sorry, I will try to be more accurate with my comments in the future.

Sorry, I will try to be more accurate with my comments in the future.

No worries, the webchat isn't known to everyone yet :)

I think it would be cool if he was, but I doubt he'd want the job. I like the idea of Kingsley as minister better.

I would rather Arthur as minister of magic. Kinsley is a good fighter and of course can be a good leader. However the war is over now and a leader who has opinions about Muggles and blood status much different than the Death Eaters is more appropriate. And i wanted that what Ron had Predicted would come true...

I think Ernie could make a good head of Dept, like International Relations. Id say he'd be a good diplomat but never give him the top job, too easily corrupted.

Arthur Weasley bless his cotton socks, wouldnt be a good MoM and quite frankly I dont think he'd want it. Its just not him is it? Id say he got a big promotion though within Muggle Relations.

Kingsley for MoM and when he retires Hermione!

I agree with your last comment by heart. My vote is for Hermi after Kingsley retires...

I would rather Arthur as minister of magic. Kinsley is a good fighter and of course can be a good leader. However the war is over now and a leader who has opinions about Muggles and blood status much different than the Death Eaters is more appropriate. And i wanted that what Ron had Predicted would come true...


But do we know how Kingsley stands on issues like Muggles and blood status? He might well be in agreement with Arthur and agree that they need to be protected. With Arthur and Hermione in influential positions the Ministry will have to pay attention to the Muggle issues.

i just cant imagine Mr. Weasley as MoM. Kingsley is a much better fit though.

But do we know how Kingsley stands on issues like Muggles and blood status? He might well be in agreement with Arthur and agree that they need to be protected. With Arthur and Hermione in influential positions the Ministry will have to pay attention to the Muggle issues.

I certainly agree with you. Kingsley is most probably in agreement with Arthur about those views. The ministery policy will not be different than the ideas of Mr. Weasley, i think. But my comment was only a wish...

As much as I would like Mr. Weasley to become Minister of Magic, I think that Kingsley would do a better job.

I think that while Mr. Weasley has the compassion and the intelligence to be a good MoM, he would rather be with his family. After almost losing Bill, Ginny, George, Ron, and Percy disowning the family temporarily, then actually losing Fred, all I can think is that he'd love nothing more than tinkering on Sirius's bike, and hanging out with his ever expanding family. Kingsley would make a great permanant MoM. Then after that, who knows, Hermione perhaps??

I think that while Mr. Weasley has the compassion and the intelligence to be a good MoM, he would rather be with his family. After almost losing Bill, Ginny, George, Ron, and Percy disowning the family temporarily, then actually losing Fred, all I can think is that he'd love nothing more than tinkering on Sirius's bike, and hanging out with his ever expanding family. Kingsley would make a great permanant MoM. Then after that, who knows, Hermione perhaps??

That is a really good point. I never really thought about it from that angle. I was just thinking Arthur for Minister! all the way, but you're right, he probably wouldn't want the position. I'm sure he would be very honoured to have been reccommended. :cool:

Hermione...I think it would be the same case for her as it is for Mr.Weasly.

The fact that Mr. Weasley does NOT have a lust for power is the main reason I believe he would be a good MoM.
As for power, intelligence and the likes, never forget he was an active member of the Order of the Phoenix, was able to do some amazing stuff (the Ford Anglia, Sirius's motorbike,...) and showed no lack of courage in the face of danger (standing up to Runcorn in the Ministry, even if it was Harry).
However, I have no doubts that he wouldn't be chosen as MoM right of the bat, but maybe a few years down the line, when Kingsley wanted some time off.

Khar

I love Mr Weasley but I don't see him as being better for the job than Kingsley. Kingsley has a bit more umm 'character' which I think you need for this kind of job. :)

Pretty much echoing everyone else, Mr Weasley doesn't have the character or forceful. I think Percy would become minister after Kingsley.

I love Mr Weasley but I don't see him as being better for the job than Kingsley. Kingsley has a bit more umm 'character' which I think you need for this kind of job.
You are right. Mr Weasley can't be a Minister cause he won't be able to deal with that post. That doesn't mean that Mr Weasley or bad or some thing but his character is not the rightful one for this post.

And after all, Ron did say that if Griffindor won the Quidditch Cup in OotP, that his Dad would become MoM. They won, and it just seems like the kind of thing JK would do to put stock in that random statement.

I dunno i see what ya mean about the dramatic irony but i'm sure Ron said in one of the books that his Dad could have been promoted loads of times he just liked it where he was. Whether Ron was telling the truth or not i don't know but i wouldn't have thought that Mr Wealsey would like the power, he comes across as someone who loves his job and wouldn't ever want to change it. Maybe Percy will become the minister and get his wish :lol:

I think he'd do well at it, but if he was offered the job, I don't think he'd take it. I'm not sure it's something he'd want to do, he seems happy where he is. He doesn't have that drive about him, and he's not power hungry at all. I think you have to be really determined and willing to fight to get to the position of Minister, and I don't think Arthur would be prepared to do that. He's not a fighter, and he's not manipulative, which I think all Ministers are.

However, I think it would be good for the entire Weasley family if Arthur became Minister. The Weasley's have been put through so much in the years, and people have taunted them, that they deserve it. Alot of people laughed at them for their lack of money, and their love for Muggles. If the became Minister it's like saying "HA! Look at me now!", and I think that would be really nice.

But no, I think Mr. Weasley is happy where he is and wouldn't have it any other way. He's too fresh and nice.

I couldn't see that at all. I think that he would try and bring the wizarding world and the muggle world into much closer contact then it should be, and things could go wrong. I wouldn't trust anyone to be MoM who has worked closely with muggle products, or at least someone who is so fascinated by the muggle world.

I don't think alot of people would like him to be Minister either. I mean, he's not exactly one to abide by the rules 100% of the time...He enchanted a Ford Anglia to make it fly!

People who consider him a 'blood traitor' would have something to say.

I can't see Arthur fitting into the position of Minister of Magic. It's just not like him, I think.

I hope so, Mr.Weasley really knows a lot about the ministry for having a small department. And he really cares about everyone not just muggles.

I think Mr Weasley is too much of a family man, he'd have to devote his whole life to the Ministry and I don't think he'd do that...His family mean everything to him.

I didn't get the sense that Mr. Weasley wanted to be Minister. He was happy being in his department, so I doubt he would want to change. Though I think he would probably take a promotion to head of his department. Plus, I also didn't get the sense that Mr. Weasley is that much of an authority figure. For instance, in his family it's Mrs. Weasley who is the disciplinarian rather than him. That's not to say he's a push-over, but I think he isn't as comfortable in a role where he has a lot of power/authority.

He isn't the kind of person who really wants power. He'd get my vote though, but I like Kingsley Shacklebolt more.

No. I prefer Kingsley. Isn't he the temporary Minister of Magic now? Perhaps he got the job after that, he seems like a leadery person.

I know the MoM has been reformed, and Aurthur being MoM would not only show the majic world that veiws regarding muggles had REALLY changed, but think of the faces on the Malfoys! "Excuse me Lucius the new minister has been announced. It is Aurthur Weasley! :rotfl::rotfl:

But if Aurthur were to accept a real leadership position, I think it would be as a teacher or even headmaster, but not minister. He just isn't the political type.

Mr. Weasly would make a great head of department, but not minister of magic. I just don't think he'd be able to cope with all the stress.

Arthur would make a great head of Department--a more comprehensive study of Muggle artifacts would suit him just fine. If he had a voice on other issues, that would benefit both the magical and nonmagical populations of Britain. However, while he's qualified to give advice, and willing to dispense it, he's not a poltical being like his third son. He doesn't have the savvy to navigate as Minister of Magic. I think Kingsley is a good permanent solution.

While head of a department would be nice I believe Aurthur has had enough of the ministry and would do the greastest good at Hogwarts

I really cant picture Mr. weasley as the minister of magic...he doesnt have that forceful persona, or that kind of intellect to become one..indeed he'd be good as an advisor, but not as the leading man..I think Shacklebolt looks a good MoM to me, even Bill Weasley's not a bad idea, but evntuallly I think it would be Hermione (why cant they have a female minister? she'd be perfect) or harry


Oh yeah! Hermione for minister of magic! She won't even need a secretary :D.

Oh yeah! Hermione for minister of magic! She won't even need a secretary :D.


I would vote for her! I do not know how Ron would take it though, his wife being MoM. Is it still Minister when it's a woman?

Mr. Weasley? yeahhhh no. He's not forcefull enuf. personally, Hermione would get my vote. She's freakin' smart and compassionate about stuff that most people aren't (like house-elves).

I think that he would want to stay in the Misuse Of Murggle Artifacts Office anyway.

Personally, I don't think he'd want it....Kingsley's ok by me!

Kingsley is an excellent choice. Lets hope he stays as good as he is now and does not become clouded like Fudge or Scrimour.

Kinsley all the way. I think that is why she put him as temporary minister

Mr Weasley would not want to be Minister, I think Kingsley would do a great job at it. Arthur would stay were he was or go to a position that suited him, and that would help Kingsley the most.

After the war with Voldemort, Mr. Weasley is probably feeling strained about being away from all of his Muggle contraptions for so long. The Office of Detection and Confiscation of Counterfeit Defensive Spells and Protective Objects will dissolve upon Voldemort's defeat, so he will be able to return to the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office. Like most users on this thread, I believe Arthur would not wish to be Minister, though he would be on friendly terms with Kingsley and other Ministers. He may get better treatment under the new Ministry (perhaps he and Perkins may actually get the window they've been wanting), but he would not want to be in the position of power. Although he likes to make everyone happy, he does not like to handle responsibility (in times of crisis he did, but not when everything was "normal").

Also, I doubt Arthur would be incredibly well-liked as Minister. He has shown that he is on friendly terms with most decent Ministry employees, but he does not seem as if he is as respected as higher-up Ministry workers. They think of him more as a joke than anything - someone who will help you when you are in a tight spot, but nothing more. Post-DH Mr. Weasley may command more respect, but not enough to be voted as Minister.

Whether he wants to or not, Arthur will never be Minister because, to be blunt, he's not real bright.

I agree with a lot of what has been said. Mr Weasley seems happy doing what he's doing, he isn't very power hungry and has never strived to get to the top position. And he isn't the brightest bulb in the box.

Also, I have never seen great leadership qualities from Arthur.

I don't think Arthur would make a good minister for magic, to be honest. He's lovely and intelligent but average in a way. He's a family man, but not a leader on a ministerial scale. That's Kingsley's role.

Maybe the Mr. Weasley as we know him, not.
Later on, after the Kingsley years, who knows.
I can see him there. His sons and Ginny all have their families, it is just Molly and him ... maybe it'll be like a refreshing new start for him and the Ministry.
This is all speculation from my part, but well, it is all speculation in this thread because we just don't know ... :lol:

He has got my vote if he runs. :lol:

I like the idea, but I don't see it, to me he doesn't seem organized enough, I think he would be a great adivsor to Kingsley, especially having served in The Order together.

I like the idea, but I don't see it, to me he doesn't seem organized enough, I think he would be a great adivsor to Kingsley, especially having served in The Order together.

I'm not too sure its an organization problem, it's just that he doesn't seem to be a great leader. Yes, he probably wouldn't be tempted by power, but still. However, as for advisor, awesome idea. The Ministry would be much better with Mr. Weasley as senior secretary to the Minister, :lol:

I love Mr. Weasley and all and he has many good qualities but i don't think he has the right qualities to be a minister. And as JJFinch said, he is more of a family man, he couldn't be a leader. Not very err... (trying to find the word for it)... confrontational when needed. Like when it comes to diciplining his kids. Seems to let Molly do it. He seems like a fun guy, nice, very family-involved and caring. But not a Kingsley who seems to be the guy to fit the bill.

I love Mr.Weasley but I dont think he has Minister qualities. He's content where he is. And plus I dont think he's much of a disciplinary person. He would have to take control of everything and fire people. He's a family man! He just doesn't fit. But I would pick him over Scrmigeour anyday! LOL!

arthur weasley's a nice person, reasonably talented, but he's got a love 4 breaking rules, as in like the ford anglia... yeah, probably not, anyway, as MoM, he'll have 2 drop the muggle stuff...
but if he ever becomes one, i think he'll make some BIG changes. like, get squibs 2 communicate with muggles?

After a revolution, choosing a strong military person as a leader is not unusual, so I understand why Kingsley was elected the temporary one. Again, it's quite usual for such a temporary leader to gain enough popularity that he/she remains a permanent one. (Especially Kingsley, he's a very able man.) That's why I think Arthur has little chance becoming minister.

But I'm sure Arthur would make a great minister. He's wise and knowledgeable, It was pretty much him who taught us (read: Harry) how the magical world works. Almost everyone knows him, likes him and trusts him, and he seems to be on top of all gossip and what's going on. He was, like Kingsley, a key chatacter in the anti-Voldemort movement. And he's got a big heart.

He's not the leader type? I myself have 7 siblings, and I'd say that a father of a nine-member family has shown enough leadership skill.

Great man, Arthur. My absolute favorite character at the moment.
"But dad collects plugs, doesn't he?" whispered Fred. "Birds of a feather..." :eyebrows:

I think Mr. Weasley would make a great Minister. He is knowledgeable about a wide variety of magical and non-magical things. He is a solid man with upstanding moral value. He has a big family that he has head through the years. After Kingsley, when all the kids are grown and it's just him and Molly, I think it would be a positive move for him and the magical community!

The other night, I had this thought that considering Harry's fame before he defeated Voldemort, it must have rocketet when he actually did. The wizarding world must consider him to be the ultimate hero and saviour - perhaps even more so than Dumbledore was when he defeated Grindelwald, because Harry was just a baby when he got involved into it all and that gives his story an air of fate.

So doesn't it stand to reason that, sometime after the prologue (as it's not mentioned in the prologue at all), Harry would have the post of Minister for Magic offered to him?

That is assuming the wizarding world still had the same kind of democracy after 1998 as before, seeing as Voldemort changed the system completely within his year in power. But however their government works by then, I think Harry would be offered the job of being in charge of it.

I think there's just noone the wizarding world must look up to more than Harry Potter after 1998.

Can anyone else see this?

And do you think he would accept?

If not, considering that he's not even 40 by the time of the prologue, do you think he would accept sometime later in life, when he was a bit older?

I think Mr. Weasley would make a great Minister. He is knowledgeable about a wide variety of magical and non-magical things.

Actually the books show the opposite. Despite working in a section dedicated to Muggle artefacts he is woefully ignorant of their uses and Muggledom generally. In the RL that's about equivalent to a Foreign Officer desk officer not knowing the language, customs or country which is his responsibility.

I think Mr. Weasley would make a great Minister. He is knowledgeable about a wide variety of magical and non-magical things.

He called electricity "eckeltricity"

You want to give this guy political power?


No way would the pureblood families accept that.

Actually the books show the opposite. Despite working in a section dedicated to Muggle artefacts he is woefully ignorant of their uses and Muggledom generally. In the RL that's about equivalent to a Foreign Officer desk officer not knowing the language, customs or country which is his responsibility.

He's not very good at his job. He's not dumb though and at times can be perceptive (he knew exactly what to do when going into hiding). I can't think of who I'd want to be on the in charge short term, but long term, eventually, I'd love to see Ernie Macmillian or Susan Bones in the position.

I think purebloods don't have more of a say than anyone else anymore, as I think they're treated unfairly since 1998, all under pretense of political correctness.

If the winners of the war want to build bridges with their former opponents, they have to take their opinion into account. Arthur Weasley is too divisive. As I suggested earlier, Kingsley might be an acceptable compromise.

Kingsley for me.

Oh, definitely Kingsley. He's got experience, he made it through the war, he's ready to hit the ground running. He wouldn't be as divisive as Harry would be -- being The Chosen One and all that, you know he'd simply be a rallying point for the left over DE's and other Dark types to coalesce against. Remember, just because Voldemort's finally dead doesn't mean there isn't another of his ilk lurking around somewhere, probably in school at Durmstrang even as we speak...

JKR did state in a webchat interview following the aftermath of book 7 that after he was given a temporary post as Minister for Magic he soon accepted this role full time, to become the new Minister for Magic and became the most popular minister England had ever had (:

I'll try posting the interview when I find it :)

Sazza

The ideal canidate, other then the fact that she's dead (all canidates have drawbacks), would have been Amelia Bones; fairminded, thoughtful, and politic and probably not an ex Gryffindor. She would still be a good role model for whomever gets the job.

Shacklebot, no matter how good, should have some people waiting in the wings who are capable of replacing him after 8-10 years, rather like Washington had Adams, Jefferson, Madison etc. One person being dominant for too long could be a problem.

Arthur For The Win! I sort of love the idea of him as Minister, at least at the beginning to start to introduce Mugle things, and get all the Muggleborns back into the wizarding world without being prejudiced at all, as he doesn't judge; the only people that he speaks badly about are Death Eaters.

I think purebloods don't have more of a say than anyone else anymore, as I think they're treated unfairly since 1998, all under pretense of political correctness.

What would support this theory? The Weasleys, Longbottoms and MacMillans were also purebloods, and they fought against the DEs. We aren't told in the text about the blood status of most other non-DE characters. Pureblood does not automatically mean DE, so I don't see why purebloods would be discriminated against on those grounds. :hmm:
Another thing, how is it unfair treatment for all witches and wizards to be given an equal say, regardless of blood status? :hmm:
If some purebloods considered equality for others to be unfair, personally, I'd consider those purebloods in question very much biased.

Also, not all DEs were genuinely purebloods. For those witches and wizards (including purebloods) who were DEs, like the Malfoys, I think limiting their political influence is a good thing. Kind of like how most people in RL would be against electing a former member of the KKK. Or, for the most part, a BNP candidate. At any rate, I can't imagine Kingsley being as open to corruption as Fudge, who refused to consider Malfoy could commit a crime because of "donations to worthy causes".

I am glad that Arthur didn't become Minister of Magic. Wouldn't Molly have a say if he wanted the post? We know that money wasn't important to the Weasleys, but I think Molly would worry to much about Arthur being head Minister.

I'm happy to see Arthur Weasley in the position he is in. Over the years, he has shown a real sense of job satisfaction working with muggle artifacts. He's not a politician, he's a self-made mechanic of sorts. He loves tinkering with things more than anything else. He certainly can step up to the plate and do other work when needed (as with his involvement with the Order), but that is not where his heart lies.

In our ecomony, I see many people who are settling with jobs they don't love because they are afraid they won't be able to get another job if they lose this one. Mr. Weasley lives in a different "world" and faces different issues. But sometimes job satisfaction is hard to come by. The man is happy where he is. I think that is more important than whether he has prestige or makes the big bucks.

I kind of want the first Weasley to be the Minister of Magic to be Hermione Jean Weasley so for that reason alone i am happy Arthur didn't become Minister of Magic.

Kind of like how most people in RL would be against electing a former member of the KKK.

Except in the RL people do elect former members of extremist groups like the Klan. In the case of David Duke (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Duke) they elected a Grand Wizard as a Louisiana State Representative.

Except in the RL people do elect former members of extremist groups like the Klan. In the case of David Duke (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Duke) they elected a Grand Wizard as a Louisiana State Representative.

-and he's not the only example: the late Sen Robert Byrd was an "Exalted Cyclops" (top officer in the local KKKunit) in the KKK, of which he was a recruiting member, from about 1941 until 1952 when he ran for office.

It happens.