mandatory death penalty in singapore, page-85

banjar

you wrote........." proclaimed that they are going to force Singapore to make an 11th hour reversal that is simply never going to happen. To give such false hope to the family is not displaying compassion, but a dispicable display of political opportunism. Anyone that has more than a passing knowledge of Singapore politics knows that they do not back down in such a public confrontation."

I have never heard Downer in particular express anything other than serious doubt that Singapore would change its mind. I also cannot recall Howard being anything other than pessimistic. Rudd, on the other hand, has been more aggressive and opportunistic, as his his usual style.

You also argue that the politicians came to the issue too late. In an article in yesterday's Australian it is claimed as follows.... " After the guilty verdict in early 2004 McMahon accepted there had to be limited publicity. He sought the co-operation of journalists not to write or broadcast stories thatr could harm Van's chances of a successful appeal or later play for clemency. "

The government has done it's best on this cases imho - people are too quick to apportion blame, when the Singapore government was never going to be moved. Just as Molonski praises Clarke for doing what Howard has already done, yet blames Howard for not doing enough - strange logic.

regards