BEING a maverick doesn't mean you have to stop being a gentleman.
The politically pugnacious Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce showed he was not averse to extending a chivalrous hand when needed, even to a political foe.
Barnaby, whose hometown of St George in Queensland was under threat from floodwaters last week, was photographed (right) making sure Labor premier Anna Bligh did not get swept off her feet during a visit to nearby Bollon, which had succumbed to the deluge.
The day before, Barnaby was busy filling sandbags to help stem the rise of the Balonne River.
But there was also an element of self-interest to his volunteer efforts.
Barnaby's home is just across the road from the river which was flowing at record levels.
