Yes, it was very amusing - but Ludwig, Keating was never any kind of cretin.

Obnoxious - maybe. Lacking in intelligence - never.

I watched Keating on the ABC's, 7.30 Report
tonight, - 6th August 2008.

I agree with CJ.
Keating's intelligence
shouldn't be questioned.

Afterall he used to call Costello, "Thalium,"
(Slow acting dope).

And that fits. But what on earth is taking
Costello so long to reveal his plans for the
future?

Is he struggling with the final chapter of
his book? Is he seeking a more dramatic
finale to his political career?

Or remembering how many rejections he's
suffered under Howard, is his delay based
on a desire to see his party beg for his
leadership?

I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Unless Turnbull rushes in ahead of Costello.
"He who hesitates..."

Foxy,

One thing you can say about Costello for sure is that he's the master of taking the path of least resistance. He's either hanging around to be given an armchair ride by his party, waiting for that dream job in the private sector to beg him to take it or, if none of the above, retire from politics on the maximum parliamentary pension.

I remember reading an article some years ago saying that MPs get the maximum pension (75% of their salary) upon retirement once they make it to 18 years in Parliament. Pete's been there since 1990. Guess what - this year makes it 18. I reckon he might be setting things up to say sayonara.

-- -- --

I think Costello supporters might be disappointed. Pete's basically got no grit ... you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. And no amount of dragging him through the gravel tied to the back of the Opposition Leader's pickup truck is going to give him any either.

Keating is just a smart Alec who makes up for his inadaquacies via his acid tongue.He has no true perception of the economic reality.He wants compulsory super to be doubled so insurance companies can screw us more via fees and poor returns? The best way for super is to allow $500,000.00 for all workers tax free towards their retirement.They get to nominate share or property.No parisites or Govt intervention or regulation.Keep It Simple Stupid.

If Keating was so smart,why did he leave us with 10% unemployment and $180 billion Govt deficit in todays money back in 1995?

If Costello doesn't soon make up his mind,his moment will be lost.
He has serious issues of lacking courage and determination.His greatest disadvantage is that he hasn't faced and conquered all the challenges that faced John Howard.He still expects the leadership to handed to him on a silver platter.With that type of attitude,he will never gain the respect of the party nor the electorate.

Costello just by his failure to stop the speculation is not the right man to lead.
Ajay's dream that a return to the lodge for his team is near is as unlikely as ever.
Keating is aware the financial impacts of his superannuation laws is of great service to Australia.
And the self reliance in retirement rather than pensions is a worth while target.