I have no doubt that Geoff Gallop was an amazing choice for Premier in WA and, as a NSW resident, have been envious for some time that we could not have him. He is a remarkable man who has lived a remarkable life and is admirable in so many ways. I find it surprising that he faced no challenge within, particularly in light of stories emerging on Crikey at the moment. Do WA ALP insiders know of difficulties Gallop was facing within the party that may have placed sufficient stress on him that it could contribute to his depression and, sensible, decision to walk away?

I could not help but feel watching the resignation of Gallop in WA that he was a significant talent and leader lost to politics in Australia. I am not an ALP man and never have been, mainly because the factional brawling that dominates the ALP keeps the best men and women down.

In Gallop's case I think he was somewhat of an exception to the rule and would've made a far better prime minister than Beattie or even Beazley. He did govern by consensus and he recognised that the radical left was fundamentally wrong in moving away from mainstream public opinion. Afterall politicians are there to guide their constituency but at the end of the day must not dismiss the majority.

Geoff Gallop was not called "Good News Geoff" for nothing. When there was pleasing news to announce he would be right up there smiling . But when hospital trolleys were lined up waiting for not enough beds, he was no where in sight.
Big sporting centres, convention centres , a railway line that could have waited, all took precedence over hospitals.
Maybe he got tired of factionalism.
We now have a new Premier in Alan Carpenter according to the media. Carpenter has been portrayed as a "Grumpy Old Man" but he gets things done and the west is in for a very interesting time.
He is nobody's 'yes man'.