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Old 06-10-2004, 03:49 AM   #6 (permalink)
bundy
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what i see happening here is some serious factional restructuring within the Labor party.

its my understading that Brereton has been a very important powerbroker in the Labor Right movement for a long time. his Kingsford Smith replacement, Garrett, chosen by Latham (and not the rank and file from the electorate), is untested and clearly not of the Labor Right ilk. This is a major power shift away from the Right... and they aren't happy.

however, i think the party as a whole has learnt its lesson with factional in-fighting (see the last eight years in opposition under Beasley and Crean), and Latham is a strong enough leader to overcome any damaging dissention.

i'd be interested to read other opinions on this thought.

Quote:
Originally posted by Ella
Howard says ""The average Australian will scratch their head and say, 'gee I thought this bloke was passionate but he hasn't voted in the last three elections'."

I dunno. Is he sacrificing his ideals to become part of a major party? Why isn't he running for the Greens if he wants to get into politics? What about Pine Gap? Does Garrett have a short memory?
these are interesting points.

i'd expect Garretts reason for not voting in the last three elections is that he hasn't seen any reason to... what with there being no real canditature supporting what he believes in. he is a passionate man with strong beliefs, so why waste a vote for the Greens (who'll probably preference to Labor, who in turn won't promote any real environmental changes), or the Democrats (who these days could possibly preference either major party).

is he sacrificing his ideals?
i think so yes, to an extent. he must realise that even with his influence in the Labor party, there will be no serious changes in the issues that he has promoted for such a long time.
i have too much respect for the man to believe he'll become a yes man, but i do fear he will be bogged down within a major party.
Bob Brown must be bitterly disappointed that Garrett hasn't signed on with the Greens.
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