saint sarah - the canonization of shy, page-224

Watso - I did exactly the same - have only realised years later that Keating was one of our better politicians. Only historical hindsight gives us the objectivity to see things for what they were.

I agree with you on 'silly' - I have observed the workings of our State Parliament for quite a while now and always felt that our Senate was a total luxury and it could easily be done away with and nobody would miss it, legislation would be faster and more efficient etc. But it won't happen, too many people on the gravy train.

I find the constant barrage of abuse which goes on in Parliament tiresome and childish (unless it is the witticisms of a 'Keating' but he is a rare bird - I had his 'coconut jingle' about Howard on my phone for a while!). School children who tour the Parliament are amazed at the carry-on and bad manners of politicians. The SHJ and Leyonhelm saga is just one of many - here in the local Parliament we had a case many years ago where a private matter was aired in Parliament under 'Parliamentary Privilege' and one of the parties concerned committed suicide 'as a result of the exposure' it was said afterwards. I had my doubts, but it seems we can't do without sledging our opponents in Parliament.
Taurisk