Yes, Barnaby is more recognisable and a character, but that doesn't make him a good politician.
He is has proven over the last couple of years to have incredibly poor judgement. I listened to him interviewed recently after his recent spat with the party leader and he was carrying on like a sulking, naughty little boy. Obviously he had been pulled into line behind closed doors and he didn't like it.
Each time something happens in Barnaby's life now he just makes a complete mess of it. It tells me that he is incapable of learning from experience.
The Nats need a refresh. Maybe someone like Bridget McKenzie should be doing the job ? Smart, way more professional and savvy than Barnaby will ever be.