cont'd ...

I forgot to add - regarding the conservatives bleating on about the PM's "broken promise" and "she lied," mantra. Broken promise? All parties promised things before the last election, However the electorate rejected a Gillard Government AND an Abbott Government and gave the nation, eventually, a Coalition Government of Labor, Greens, and Independents. Surely it was obvious during the horse-trading after the polls had closed that whoever led whatever coalition was formed would be unable to do everything they could do in a majority government. The conservatives and the Murdoch media continually saying
"She lied," and "broken promise" does not make it so. It's merely a
political tactic - granted a clever one.

Lexi

>> This left her looking hopelessly out of her depth on the international stage <<

I agree with you on Julia's lack of success on the domestic front, however, I was impressed with her address to USA congress and other international speeches, particularly as Julia has admitted that international politics were not her forte. I saw shades of the old Julia watching her deliver the USA congressional speech.

She has less than 2 years in which to find the 'real' Julia, if she wishes to lead Labor to another term in office. Tony Abbott remains her best asset if she would only call him out on his many fabrications and backflips.

Dear Ammonite,

You've made a good point regarding the PM's International expertise.
And as far as Tony Abbott is concerned - I couldn't agree with you more. I wish that the PM and her colleagues called Mr Abbott to account for his statements - and show them up for what they really are - empty rhetoric.

Lexi,

Regarding "broken promises", we should be mindful that it was the Howard Government who introduced completely new terms into the Australian vernacular. I mean, everyone now gives a knowing nod of understanding when the terms "core' and "non-core" are mentioned in connection with government policy.

That's quite a feat of truth juggling when you come to think of it.

Dear Poirot,

Excellent points. I'd forgotten about them.

Antiseptic <"Suzeonline:"the fact remains that Julia IS the Prime Minister and Tony is NOT!"
And the sky is blue, the grass is green and what was your point again?"

And your point is?
I am amazed you could drag yourself away from the anti-female threads you love so much.
Mind you, what with Julia being our first female Prime Minister, no wonder you are commenting..