Out
The predicted swing to the Liberals showed Labor the door in a big way, but nothing for the Greens, not even their expected win in Marrickville, although Jamie Parker remains neck-and-neck with Verity Firth, so maybe one seat. Nice to see Clover Moore, who also serves as Lord Mayor of Sydney, retain her Independent seat. Honestly, her departure from the Labor ranks ten years ago should have been our first warning that the factionalism was out of control. Can Barry O'Farrell make the trains run on time? And cheaper? We'll see.
Shame about Kristina Keneally stepping down as Labor leader. It gives credence to the tale of her being nothing more than a puppet, and the party could have done worse than to support her in attempting full-scale reform of how they operate.
Speaking of women in politics, Geraldine Ferraro has died. Her selection as VP candidate in 1984 stands in stark contrast to John McCain's choice in 2008 of Sarah Palin. Although scandal involving her husband was a big part of what sank the Democratic ticket, she herself was capable and competent. She opened the way for Hillary Clinton to mount a credible campaign for the Presidential nomination, and we could do worse than to hope for more like her.
27 March 2011
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This post seems less negative than some so I'll assume the results are not too displeasing. as we look in from the outside, we can't find too much wrong with the way australians think and vote. Maybe the US foray into too far right politics in our last election will awaken a more sensible swing by our voters here next year. Our chances are awfully good if the Repub. ticket is the dream team of Trump and Palin/Palin and Trump. there just CANNOPT be that many stupid people in the US.
Meanwhile, I too, was sorry to hear that Geraldine Ferraro has died. She really was a major change that got run over by the doubtfulness of her husband's reputation. I always found her a very down to earth thinker.
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