After quitting alcohol and cigarettes, Australia's former deputy PM Barnaby Joyce finds life 'boring'

Former Australian Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce opened up on Monday and said life had been 'boring' after quitting alcohol and cigarettes. The quitting decision came after Joyce was filmed early this year lying across a busy footpath in a drunken stupor.

In a candid interview with Channel Seven, Joyce discussed the challenges of maintaining sobriety and his difficulties in social settings. "When I went stomach to the stars, I thought: That's a disgrace, I can't do that again," Joyce recalled, referring to the moment he realized he needed to change his lifestyle.

"I've given up smoking, I've given up alcohol. Life is incredibly boring having to actually talk to people at functions," said Joyce, who still serves in parliament as a member of the conservative opposition.


He expressed frustration with the mundane conversations at official events, remarking, "Do you know the sort of rubbish they prattle on about? It's incredible."

Despite his efforts to stay sober, Joyce admitted he has not completely ruled out drinking in the future. When asked if he had permanently given up alcohol, he replied cautiously, "Ah, no, look, I'm not saying that."

Joyce's political career has been marked by several high-profile controversies. In 2015, he was involved in a notable dispute with actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard over their pet dogs, Pistol and Boo, which were brought into Australia without adhering to biosecurity protocols. The incident drew international attention and highlighted Australia's strict quarantine laws.

In 2018, Joyce's personal life came under scrutiny when it was revealed he had an affair with a former staffer who became pregnant. The scandal led the conservative government to implement a "bonk ban," prohibiting ministers from having sexual relations with their staff.