This lack of input from nursing on issues of political importance for health is not a new concern. Nursing historically has lacked influence in policy formulation (Robinson 1991). What is of interest from the findings of the research is the extent to which nursing's actual and potential influence is shaped by the political process. The importance of politics for nursing cannot therefore be underestimated. Politics shapes nursing and therefore nursing leadership. To influence for nursing one needs to
understand and influence the contextual ideology, which is shaped by the political