Dear Bazz,

Realistically I don't think that politicians
can or should be locked in to any so called
"promise" that they make prior to an election
simply because circumstances can change and things
can get beyond their control. John Howard tried to
tell us about " core and non-core promises," although
perhaps he didn't quite explain it well.

Promises are often known as "self-destructing statements"
made during election campaigns. Following the election the
promises self-destruct because either the promise becomes
inoperative "due to changed economic circumstances," or
the promise is found to have been so cunningly worded that
it did not mean what it said and careless voters
misunderstood the terms of the original promise. ;)

onthebeach,

Your first post was almost poetry - excellent.

o sung wu

That interview when Abbott went silent (he was incensed) was because the disgraceful accusation held over him by that reporter did not deserve a response. Abbott is deep, and he was profoundly hurt and disgusted with the suggestion coming from that garbage press reporter.

Otherwise, you seem like are a very congenial fellow.

Suseonline,

My sentiments of your predictable takes are those of onthebeach. That description he posted of your attitude was sheer brilliance. He described you to a tee. Remember? I noticed you did not respond to him after that. Your femo obsession and disregard of ethics is blatant militance. Yes, Julia may be tough, and so was Thatcher, but so are bullies.

'You surely are a low form of something, MATE. '

As usual Poirot ignore the truth that the current Labour parties policies led by Ms Gillard has led to hundreds of deaths. Pretend the one pointing this out is the bad guy if it makes you feel better. Your weasling out of your reference to Thatcher and war is just that.

Good afternoon to you...ONTHEBEACH, CONSTANCE, SNAKE and everyone else...

Thank you all for your most entertaining opinions, informed views and absorbing thoughts you've all kindly consented to share, with the a generous view of improving the quality of this topic. I do really appreciate it.

Yes, it's all about having a bit of fun isn't it, a bit of a laugh (mostly at ourselves), and making some interesting 'on line' friends, After retirement I thought I'd never have a chance to 'tap upon' a typewriter again, 'til I discovered OLO and the FORUM. Not to mention broadening my limited vocabulary a bit, having pinched a word or two, from some of you more benevolent folks herein.

I agree with you too CONSTANCE, I believe Tony ABBOTT exercised some tremenderous restraint, with respect to that interview conducted outside Parliament House. In fact if I recall, one presenter even suggested the Journo. was lucky he wasn't 'slugged' or something, by Tony ? I don't believe that would ever happen ?

ONTHEBEACH, I only wish I had your 'turn of phrase', you're obviously a very educated gentleman. A 'wordsmith' I believe they call it. And you're right, if we can't all have a 'giggle or two' about anything and everything, it's a sad state of affairs I reckon. Is it not the marque of an Aussie, our way of life (our culture) to extract a bit of humour from everything ? I'm of the opinion, this 'Political Correctness that's crept into our thinking is very injurious indeed. And at the risk of receiving a real 'hammering' herein I don't particularly like the gender modification of our language either ?

A lady is an actress, a man, actor. A courageous lady is a heroine, conversely a brave man, a hero, and so on ? I do wonder sometimes, if, deep deep down, most ladies wouldn't prefer to revert to those more feminine times when words employing correct gender, we once more employed ?Wow, I'm way off the Topic now, I'm sorry.

Thanks again everyone for your brilliant contributions, I do appreciate your efforts.