… and finally, the small matter of the result. The winner is Labor. Not a famous victory by any stretch of the imagination, but under the circumstances they’ll be happy with the four points. For my part, I have my doubts about members of parliament going against the obvious preference of their constituents in so fundamental a matter as government formation, barring the proverbial extraordinary and reprehensible standards. I’m not entirely sure that a bit of creative accounting from the Coalition clears the bar on this count. That said, I have no doubt – none – that conservatives tempted to echo these sentiments will find themselves constrained by their philosophy’s most eloquent champion, Edmund Burke, who famously told his constituents: “Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgment; and he betrays, instead of serving you, if he sacrifices it to your opinion”. (Burke’s speech has been given a fair run around the place in recent times, including by apparently learned people who would do well to read it through to the end.)
Besides, my difference of opinion with Windsor and Oakeshott is purely a matter of degree – there were respectable arguments that could have been mounted whichever way they jumped. Ultimately they deserve our gratitude for the patient and considered fashion with which they have navigated through their delicate position. Most particularly, they should be heartily congratulated for ignoring a fortnight’s worth of quacking and bleating from a section of the media that does not at heart believe in consensus, checks and balances or even particularly in democracy. Whatever uncertainties might lie ahead, one thing is sure: these voices will spend the coming months and/or years peddling distortions and hyperbole to create a sense of crisis about a situation which in reality has every chance of serving Australia well. Long may the independents continue to turn a deaf ear.
Who cares. But he’s done his dough. 🙂
Where’s Nostra?
Go Julia you good thing
[Did I hear a journalist drop an F bomb?]
Yep!
Yes I should have added thanks to ltep. Very good analysis, even if you are predictably pessimistic for your own side of politics (but that’s ok, we’ve all learnt to adjust for that!)
[In relation to?]
After Windsor said they’d wrap up after 1 more question there was an audible “FFS”.
[Wheres Nostro now?]
On a slow boat to Nauru.
pancho
Posted Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at 3:52 pm | Permalink
the f-bomb was just dropped on the live feed !!
[In relation to?]
Them only taking one more question
BK
Bluey reckons he has done his job for now and will save his ink for the next crisis faced by the righteous ones. He is hoping for a three year sabbatical.
Show us Barnaby’s face right now!
[
The more the Murdochliberal Party attacks O and W, the closer they will be bonded to their decision. Long may it continue. By 2013 they will be taking out AWU tickets.
]
Yep keep it up Murdoch hacks keep it up
[Who will be the first Opposition member to use the word “illegitimate”?]
Abbott. And he won’t give in until it is tested on the floor.
that was a quite unedifying speactacle by the press
[So William, you picked the hung parliament and the Indies’ split.]
Thanks, but I don’t actually recall tipping the independents would split.
tell us when abbotts on i still cannot look at him
Australia is ruined coz of people who cannot spell because.
Thanks for the company guys during the longest 17 days of my life. That election result really does mean that Australia now moves forward instead of backward in so many ways. Now if you’ll excuse me I have to go send a message of condolence to Rupert. Or something…
Appalling conduct from the press gallery.
Barnaby not happy!
[BK
Bluey reckons he has done his job for now and will save his ink for the next crisis faced by the righteous ones. He is hoping for a three year sabbatical.]
Yes he was magnificent. I do hope he can get in the full three years.
$10b pork to RDA
Now for expert analysis from Barnaby Joyce.
question time what fun it will be
be quiet barnaby
I vote that William lets Truthy back on the blog, because his meltdown would be really fun to witness, as opposed to Nostrodamus(who is really little more than a parody). 😉
This will be a better Govt because its a minority Govt – it will be tight and disciplined. Julia should govern without the Canberra press Gallery. It should last 3 years- and get re-elected. Within 18 months, the story will be Turnbull.
William
Also thanks from me and Bluey to you for this site. Has been a life-saver.
What Barnaby is talking about. The ALP won the 2pp!
bluey dont go
Don’t turn off ABC 1 yet. Ya gotta see barnyard!!!!!!!
Love it when Oakeshott said that a major consideration was who would knife them and run to the polls. Well, that was pretty blunt.
Gilbert on Sky looks like he’s been sucking on a lemon
[Who will be the first Opposition member to use the word “illegitimate”?
Abbott.]
I stand corrected. The correct answer is the media.
Barnaby Joyce using destabilising rhetoric now *shakes head*
One guest on their ABC News24 after the press conference.
Guess from which side?
AEC count of 2PP is exactly 50 50 as we speak!
[that was a quite unedifying speactacle by the press]
And How!
Haha. Joyce is talking and Sky is listening. As if it matters. Come back in three years.
Kelly now bending the answers to bag the indies. In an astounding piece of insight she thinks self-interest may have played a part. NS Sherlock.
thanks to william all our friends and every one who has got us throught th worst crisis this country has had since gough.
it has been a god send to me. thank you
Hope all you PBers have had a big singalong.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otsfhMFhi2s&feature=fvst
When do we hear from Tone?
Barnaby. It’s time to face the fact that you will continue to be an nonentity.
Gotta run!
Back to the real world!
See ya all later on, assuming there’s anyone left here who isn’t drunk! 😉
Is this karma for 1975?
I suspect Abbott was just too much to swallow.
Now to round upon all the Tory scum on Twitter.
It’s taken nearly three weeks, but I wrote down all their user IDs.
Back shortly.
Stupid comment by Windsor that the Libs would win a new election. They THINK they would win a new election. That’s different
Joyce is talking hopefully about somebody getting sick or dying. Good to see that he has finally caught up to some real policy dynamics.
Barnaby says coalition won’t be to blame if an MP dies. Nice to know barnie
For William, A huge, brilliant, 24 carat GOLD STAR.
I vote an instant PHD for William!