Paul,

Being the legal weevil that you are, I guess that I am going to have to use small words to explain the point I just made in my last post.

"Option 1, His mum obtained citizenship on his behalf without his knowledge and consent when he was 25. As this requires written consent to apply for citizenship for a person over 18, the application is null and void."

In small words: If Canavan was 25, the only legal way he could have become a citizen of Italy would be if he applied himself. Therefore, if his mum applied on his behalf, the granting of citizenship to him was not legal and therefore null and void. Thus he is not a legal Italian citizen and thus he can remain in the senate.

Get it? or do you need a 9 yr old to explain it to you?

Dear Shadow Minister,

Ah, but is the man telling the truth?

Talking about 9 year olds. This sounds like
a nine year old's standard excuse - "I did
my homework, but the dog ate it."
"My mum took out the citizenship, without
telling me."

Sure she did!

The truth could well be somewhere in between.

Most of us wouldn't like to upset our mother, right?
In fact, that would go against the ten commandments: "Honour thy father and thy mother".

So it is quite reasonable that Canavan chose to not pick a fight with his mother, who for whatever private reasons wanted him to become an Italian citizen. It is quite believable that he had no other motive whatsoever.

It is also possible that his mother told him "please sign my insurance document here" and trusting his Mom, he signed without looking at the paper.

Rather than an experienced politician, you need to take the point of view of a 25 year-old, good and loyal son.

So why did he lie?

Can you honestly state with hand on heart that you wouldn't have also lied in similar circumstances? Would you rather betray your mother? Would you rather sacrifice your career (especially if your Mom chose it for you)? There are only a few saints among us - and none of them are in parliament!

I'd rather vote for someone who loves and has allegiance to his/her mother than for someone who loves and has allegiance to a nation!

To get the spirit, watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4w82W1eRBug and read the translated lyrics in the next post:

The parade approaches, the loudspeaker cheers,
The parade approaches, here also is the officer.
All the soldiers are walking on the left foot,
Only my Chaimke is stepping on the right!

Because all the soldiers,
Yes, all the soldiers
Are on the wrong foot, without shame!
Only my Chaimke,
Just my Chaimke
Walks on the right foot!

They come here tanned and strong
They wear a beret of black cloth.
All the soldiers have the symbol on the front,
Only my Chaimke has the symbol behind!

Because all the soldiers,
Yes, all the soldiers
Mistake the symbol, without shame!
Only my Chaimke,
Just my Chaimke
Wears the cap correctly!

The loudspeaker commands: "Raise the rifles!"
The officer calls out: "Everyone - look right"!
All the soldiers have a rifle in their arm, but
Only my Chaimke suddenly shoots a bullet.

Because all the soldiers,
Yes, all the soldiers
Are afraid here, that's obvious!
Only my Chaimke,
Just my Chaimke
Knows how to emit a bullet!

Left, left turn, cheers the loudspeaker.
The whole crowd cheers with joy.
All the soldiers turn suddenly to the left
Only my Chaimke goes on walking straight.

Because all the soldiers,
Yes, all the soldiers
Mistake the way!
Only my Chaimka,
Just my Chaimka
Knows the route well!

Here he approaches, coming straight to me
He raises his hand, how cute my son is!
All the soldiers do not turn their heads,
Only Chaimke shouts: "Hey Mom, it's me!"

Because all the soldiers,
Yes, all the soldiers
They hate their Mom all the time!
Only my Chaimka,
Just my Chaimka
Truly loves his mother!

Shadow, being the Italian legal expert you are, how do you know that under Italian law "this (citizenship) requires written consent to apply for citizenship for a person over 18". Not always the case in some instances no consent is required. For example if you and I had been married in Bongostand, and with me being the hubby, and you being the little woman. I would only have to repeat three times "I divorce thee", "I divorce thee", "I divorce thee" while hopping on one leg backwards, and presto we are divorced! You have no say in the matter.
The High Court of Australia has no jurisdiction over Italian law, if Italian law says your man Mr Conniver is an I'tite then he is an I'tite, end of story and OUT HE GOES!

Yuyutsu, talking of saints, remember Saint Paul, top guy, salt of the Earth. Numero uno (Italian for number one) in my book. It all happened on the road to Damascus, Paul never had a say in it.

Foxy,

As I said previously:

"Option 2 Mr. Canavan is lying, and participated in the application, and should be tossed out on his backside."

As Canavan clearly has Italian citizenship, the onus is on him to show that it was granted in error if he can't, then he must go.

Paul,

To alleviate your ignorance, my little secret to knowing Italian law is simply to look it up. I'm sure with a little practice you too can have facts at your finger tips even though they might contradict your beloved prejudices.