Barnaby Joyce has been spotted with two of his daughters for the first time since the politician’s highly-publicised affair tore his family apart.
The former Deputy Prime Minister’s daughters Bridgette, 21, Julia, 20, Caroline, 18, and Odette, 15, were reportedly ‘disgusted’ by his $150,000 tell-all television interview with new partner Vikki Campion in June.
But the rocky relationships seems to be on the mend, with Mr Joyce and two of his four daughters seen at a Canberra steakhouse grabbing a bite to eat last week, The Daily Telegraph reported.
Mr Joyce admitted to ‘living a lie’ by continuing his public relationship with his wife while secretly being involved with Ms Campion (Barnaby Joyce is pictured with his estranged wife Natalie, and their four daughters in 2015)
Odette Joyce, Bridgette Joyce, Natalie Joyce, Caroline Joyce and Jules Joyce (pictured) were reportedly ‘disgusted’ by a tell all interview involving Barnaby Joyce and his new partner Vikki Campion
When news of the affair with his former press secretary broke in February Mr Joyce lost his cabinet position and stepped down as leader of the Nationals.
Ms Campion left Mr Joyce’s office in April to work for northern Australian minister Matt Canavan.
The telling interview with the Seven Network earlier this year saw Mr Joyce and Ms Campion talk openly about their newborn son Sebastian, affair, abortion pressures and relationship struggles.
The interview reportedly created a further rift within the family that was torn apart over the affair.
But the public dinner last week has signaled a turning of the tide and there might be a chance the girls will be among the congregation for baby Sebastian’s christening, which is happening today.
Barnaby Joyce appears to be mending his rocky relationship with his daughters ahead of the christening for his son Sebastian (pictured with mum Vikki Campion)
The much-talked about baby, who was born on April 16, weighing 3.8kg, will be christened in Armidale.
Mr Joyce’s daughters have remained silent over the dispute but Mr Joyce has said he expects it will take a long time to repair his relationship with his daughters.
His estranged wife Natalie Joyce told The Guardian in February the affair had been devastating on many fronts for the family.
‘For my girls, who are affected by the family breakdown, and for me as a wife of 24 years, who placed my own career on hold to support Barnaby through his political life.’
Barnaby Joyce was spotted at dinner with two of his daughters last week, ahead of his son Sebastian’s (pictured) christening on Sunday
‘Naturally we also feel deceived and hurt by the actions of Barnaby and the staff member involved,’ she said.
Mr Joyce was labelled a hypocrite by Greens MP Adam Bandt for opposing equal marriage on the basis of family values.
‘I’m no fan of Barnaby, and he’s a hypocrite for opposing equal marriage on the basis of family values and putting the LGBTI community through the wringer while leading a different life himself, but this isn’t about him, it’s about her,’ he has said.