Did anyone expect O'Farrell to impress? You won't get much difference in essentials given both sides of government are pushing similar agendas in relation to privatisation and neo-liberal agendas.

The NSW election was more a case of getting rid of the previous failed ALP government in a 'best of a bad bunch' situation.

It highlights the lack of real choice within our current political choices. There are huge opportunities in Australia for a new party (or parties) to fill those gaps, in particular campaigning on a democracy and transparency platform

I really can't see validity of the "mandate" argument.
While it's true that Gillard is in a minority government situation, so too were all coalition governments, whether they were announced before an election or formed afterward. They are created out of necessity in all cases.

If it's a matter of total votes then Labor won more primary votes than the LNP after Howard's first term too but Howard still claimed to have a mandate at the time.

The long-held gerrymander system that protected the Country Party in Queensland was also the stuff of legend.

I agree that it's far too early to assess O'Farrell but he was very ineffective as an Opposition Leader and any adverse developments are likely to be passed on to Abbott.

Yes as unimpressed as I am Gillard has the numbers Abbott is the only alternative.
NSW should surprise no one, growing anger will continue.
But the bloke is doing what we knew he would.
4 year term seats to spare he is filling his dream wish, no one to stop him its his bat ball and state.
For a time, he is the NSW opposition,doing more than my mob can do for my team.
Robo is a true leader the best we have had from the day Carr left.
The only leader we have had from that day.
He however is armed with a balloon without air, Barry is fixing that bless his little heart.
He has time seats and numbers it will take two landslide elections to remove him,but strong men get strong followings.

Not that I ever expected that blubbering lout to be any better, but Barry has proved every bit just as corrupt, two-faced and dodgy as any Labor politician.
-Retrospective Solar rebate backflip
-Dodgy investigations for 'dangerous solar panels'
-Refusal to similarly touch dodgy illegal development projects retrospectively
-Another 'bribe a demographic' stunt.

With the best my electorate has to offer, I would suggest taking your pick between the Greens or Christian Democrats- at least they will be less dodgy.

KH I got a kick out of that.
Greens and Cd's have as much chance of ever ruling as I do.
And half those sins you put on Barry belong to my mob, my thanks for that.
Get used to it, those who put him in, me too, knew exactly what we did.
He can sin a great deal more and not get close to some he replaced.

My in box is full this morning with information on just what Barry is up to.
Not my wish, some do not understand my separation from a boss who is less than unionist is forever.
Barry is acting very bad, my view is he does not truly understand his actions, he will.
And the blame game continues.
No one who ever posted here, or ever will ,wants an ALP government more in NSW.
But not yet, not less than 100 days in to a very long trek.
Labor is now feeding on Iron man food, building Mussel and fitness for a future not yet in sight.
We vote every four years not 100 days.
I want my party to know as I do, to never forget as I will not we put Barry there.
We have still to sup fully on our humble pie.
Fully to explore and understand why we the NSW Branch, the engine room of National Labor, let every one of our followers and those who never will down.
Barry look again at your policy's, yes I blame Labor, but you must understand, elections far away today do come around.