Hi there BAZZ...

I concur with your observations absolutely, apropos the image of 'BELLY' being the authentic Labour Party 'ideal' ! Since I've subscribed to this Forum, he's never for a moment vacillated in his vision of true Labour tenets and principles.

Moreover, he's (BELLY) very scathing of those 'faceless' factional powerbrokers who are relentlessly, destroying a once great political party. Seemingly motivated by this almost, 'manic desire' to feed their own 'prodigious hubris' that many of their (secret) number possess. And of course to ensure they maintain their grip on 'power', at any cost !

Watching our PM perform in Parliament oh so adroitly, expertly deflecting and answering questions, with a mix of pure venom even bile ! I do wonder, if she's not perhaps mentally ill in some way ? Whether, deep within herself, she has this odd, inalienably belief, that it's only her, and her alone, that can lead Australia along the inexorable, righteous path of the 'Marxist Theory of Socialism' and thus, our own salvation, who could tell !

Though, I'm quite sure there'd be sufficient work in 'the Mental Health of the Prime Minister' - for the entire, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists to work with, at their next Annual Conference !

I must admit, I'd not care to be on the end of one of her verbal attacks, not for a moment. Yep, I reckon BELLY'S got the PM's measure, well and truly. She's certainly NOT the salvation of the Labour Party, rather it's annihilation, I should think.

Julia Gillard does come across as a controlling, vengeful narcissist. But there are some like that in all high positions and in political parties - check the Greens :(

It is not Julia Gillard who sets the policy and agenda though. But does even Caucus have control over that? A few big swinging sticks seem to decide what goes when push comes to shove. Not democratic or representative at all.

As well, there are others on her front bench who lurk in the shadows when there is trouble but step forward for kudos.

Gillard is more the "yes" man who survives to lead because she has no ideas, no principles she is staunchly wedded to and she is not a commitment politician. Sure she can work the lawyer's defence and attack, but she does has the gift of the gab. She is not an orator and is uncomfortable in that role. If she is prepared and has mulled it over for ages she can deliver by rote. Her attack on 'sexist' Abbott was an example.

579 said;
When are we going to see some policy making from Abbotts camp, or is
that to much to ask.

Well I can only presume that you are quite young, say mid 20s, or you
have memory problems.
Have you no memory of the Liberal Party taunting the Labour party as
being the no policy party before the elections during their 15 years ?

The oppositions NEVER reveal their hand until the campaign is well under way.
In any case where have you been ? I would have thought you would have
downloaded Tony Abbott's blue book within 5 minutes of its announcement.

Labour's biggest problem as the public see it, is their monumental
mismanagement of a long list of projects, which no doubt the Libs
will remind everyone, and the malicious attacks on Tony Abbott.
They have in fact to some extent generated a sympathy vote, amazing !
Interestingly, most of the sympathy vote seems to be amongst women !

Then I met at a meeting some RFS people and they were annoyed at what
one politician said putting Abbott down because he went off with his
brigade to the bushfires.
I did not hear it myself so I don't know what was said.

Well OSW, I don't think the PM has a mental problem, but she does seem
to be very sure of herself. That is a good point in a politician, but
I suspect she may never take advice.
I draw this to your attention, just a couple of days before Wayne Swan
announced the end of surplus, Gillard was saying that a surplus was
certain. Surely she must have been aware of Swan & Treasuries knowledge
of the deficit, at that time.
Or was she just trying to push it away by public statements so that Swan couldn't announce it ?
I was surprised that no commentators picked up on that.

The biggest problem we have is our economy in a very few years, some
say this year, but neither party has come to grips with the future.
Julia Bishop's recent post about energy costs is a hopeful sign but
the Labour party has committed itself to a policy of no problem.

Bazz Polititions are not into conspiracy's. So the libs were taunting the labor about policies, can't it happen the other way round. Abbotts book is an example of what this bloke is; he is mute amongst other things.
The public have moved on and not into Abbotts negative statements, That is why he is in the predicament now.
If we acted on conspiracy's ?
Gillards mental status is hardly a political statement .
I have the feeling you lot are against women, no other reason for it.
I would not give you two bob for Rubb , to me he was a pansy.
You will go a long way to find a leader with so much punch, as julia.
She has shown real leadership in adverse conditions, To good for Abbott, she will cut Abbott to shreads in a policy debate. Abbott is an economic illiterate, as is well known.

579 said;
Polititions are not into conspiracy's. So the libs were taunting the
labor about policies, can't it happen the other way round.

What are you talking about, what conspiracy ?
Hey, it was me that said both sides go on about no policies.
I am afraid it is very difficult to have a sensible discussion with you.
Then you jumped away to have a go at Rudd, then about Abbott being an
economic illiterate despite having a economics degree (not that I put
much weight on economists) and being a Rhodes Scholar.

You bounce around in just a few sentences.

I should have learnt my lesson from the mobile phone subject.