I am disgusted with the members of the political parties who have got into power since 1970, they have no knowledge, intelligence, loyalty or decency, looking at the morass they have driven the economy into for our workers and small business - as well as others. The big demand that we keep exporting more and more of our non-renewable and non-value-added resources, is only the demand of idiots or total traitors. The payment to the mining companies and the Government, for these exports, is made by the prices we pay for the imports from those countries whether it is China, Japan, USA, UK, Germany or whoever. I don't deny that those people who are employed by the mining companies and those maintaining the equipment need consideration, however it would be much better if they were justly employed in Australian manufacturing for providing a good economy and environment for our descendants and for their future; the export mining won't provide for that. Our problem comes mainly from the intelligence – or lack of , by the people “chosen by the political parties to be our representatives” in parliament. There is no way are those people chosen, properly represent a true section of the Australian community, there are too many lawyers for one thing, and as the present PM and treasurer and previously ones as well, particularly since the 1970's, when the economy, intelligence, decency and really - all things relative to a successful progressive country, have been put into the old dunny can and thrown into the river. If the group who pulled off the replacement of Kevin Rudd, had helped to ensure that the earlier exploits, the insulation and other efforts, were successful; they were an attempt to improve things for the low paid and unemployed, and the betrayal by Wayne Swan, not to place a proper personal tax in the budget, but setting it up to further destroy the economy, makes you wonder what at his mentallity. Previous polls about the most trusted in the community mentions Politicians and Lawyers about last, and they have proved it.

Today, Wednesday, I think the election is quickly turning into a contest with a focus on competence rather than policy.

Gillard's performance today was dull witted. She at this stage after all her blunders is now trying to convince the electorate that she is a 'conviction' policitian.

Abbott took the lead into the election with two issues Paid Parental Leave and laterly Mental Health funding. He's leading and Gillard is very much reacting to those two Liberal positions. For a PM in an election that displays great incompetence.

On nearly every policy position she has adopted, serious flaws have been exposed. That will be seen as incompetent. Who doesn't test their policy before presenting it for the electorate to judge.

She was clearly outdone in the great debate where Abbott presented as PM material and more importantl effectively portayed competence. Gillard was left mouthing slogans and motherhood statements.

Disunity is death in politics. It is something the media have emphasised in the past, usually in regard to the Liberals, and voters know it's true. The 'leaks' Gillard is defending against are hard evidence of this and the results will show over the next two weeks.

Gillard's appearance today was relatively bedraggled and hints of nervous laughter and misplaced light humour, at journalists expense, betrayed a faltering self-confidence. It stuck out especially after the attention that has been paid to her appearance. And to see a PM asking '...give me a break' was astonishing.

As to the performance of personnel Bishop, Hockey, Pyne and Morrison are highlighting the stark differences in competence between the teams. Where are Wong, Garrett, Roxon, Swan, and the rest?

Finally Abbotts family relationships drip competence.

Gillards relationships, past and present... well the public perception of that will be ... probably something quite different to Abbotts. Competence will be high on the list of criteria on which they are judged.

Increasingly the Labor campaign is becoming a shambles, that is being revealed, not by her compliant media nor the Liberals, but by the cheap thrills and shallow thinking associated with labor policy and personnel.

Keith,

yes Labor is looking pretty ordinary thus far. I would have thought Labor (and Gillard)would have done better.

The money is still all for Labor. Sportsbet has the coaliton at $3.75 and Labor $1.25.

Maybe Labor will win with Green preferences.

"There’s no obvious coherence to what he’s (Abbott) offering at the moment."

That is a standout observation, Graham. Abbott is a loose cannon. His effort to display P.M. gravitas is laughable. Some people are moved to tears by it.

At least in budgiesmugglers he looked authentic!

I long since got tired of listening to hard policies that evaporate in the cold light of the reality, government after the election.

As a business person I'm unimpressed by presidential personality cults...

Negative and slight of hand advertising i.e. we won't screw up as much as the current government simply insults every one, particularly the public treating them like frightened cattle.

As a citizen I am annoyed by hip pocket nerve that bend to self-interest of corporation or power groups to the detriment of the people.

But most of all I find that parties/acolytes etc that focus on dogma and on the winning as though it's an end unto its self,rather than the task they seek the absolute bottom of the barrel. if you aim low don't be surprised if you achieve low.

I take elections as job interviews i.e. would I hire them to run my corporation, Australia.

More specifically is the candidate in my electorate competent enough to be MY/Our representative to help run the corp.
Sure I'm *interested* in who is the chief but my vote is of no value in choosing him or her.

Graham, my point to you is not if Abbott/Gillard is a winner or loser. Neither is it about policy because Rudd (according to majority started off with that) but are we getting a competent deliverer of what the people (all of us) need. A steady hand on the tiller not hysterical reactionary changes to win.

Accordingly My vote will be against our local member not necessarily against any party much less leader

David G.

You know every time I see commentators or the media deride Abbott for wearing his speedo's I get really bloody annoyed.

You see they are surf club attire. I used to wear them nearly every summer weekend when my kids were in 'nippers'. I'd do water safety in them, with the 'nippers' and then take my turn with the beach patrol at least for an afternoon each weekend.

I don't think you intend to deride those great Australian iconic activities, but you are.

Don't you think such negativity short-sighted?
What message are you and other people passing to the the kids of the next generation?
That it's not cool to be fit, healthy and engaged in a great iconic Australian outdoor volunteer community service?

You ougth to know better and shouldn't show such disrespect for those of us who have had involvement in and are proud of the Surf Lifesaving movement of Australia.