Shadow Minister,

Of course, I expected you to come back with that...and 'tis true that Howard did seek a mandate. Nevertheless, he did seem adamant at the time.
Somehow the lines, "Never, ever. It's dead." and "No, there's no way a GST will ever be part of our policy." leave one with the impression that the Liberals were not intending to introduce a GST at any time during their tenure.

My point being that both sides of politics indulge in similar practices, so it's pointless to spend so much time drawing attention to their inadequacies on a party political basis

Poirot,

So you admit that Howard had the mandate to do this, and Julia did not.

So it is not the same at all. Howard admitted he made a mistake, and took an unpopular policy to the polls. Julia simply lied.

If you say so, Shadow Minister,

Talking about honesty and truth.....
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/08/17/1092508474312.html

Actually Poirot, You said so.

Quoting an ex speech writer for the Labor party is hardly going to be unbiased, and does not contradict what I said before. Howard may have done an about face, but he had the balls to admit his error and take it to the public.

What I said still stands.

It's been a slow Sunday afternoon with nothing to do but swap jibes with Shadow Minister....

Peter Costello accused Mr Howard of "tricky gymnastics" in his rebuttal to Howard's explanation of the leadership issue.
In hindsight I believe that term is highly appropriate - and Mr Howard's proficiency in that particular art probably explains his lengthy tenure as Prime Minister.

http://www.theage.com.au/national/howard-failed-country-and-party-costello-20101026-172d4.html

Poirot you should be pleased in the game of verbal tennis it is always good to have some one you can bank on to constantly hit the ball in to the net.