He was the colt from Kooyong when he assumed the seat from Sir Robert Menzies. He was the Sunlamp Kid for his permanent tan, and a playboy demeanour feathered by romances, real or reported, with glamorous women. It was said Peacock changed suits several times a day and used a Gucci toothbrush. He lived in Monomeath Avenue, Canterbury, one of Melbourne s wealthiest streets. His surname, both of title and background, presented easy conclusions. His political career was not of what happened so much as what could have happened. The big ones didn t fall his way as they might have. He was like a colt who couldn t find the line.