Election Fallout

[Matilda]

Sunday is producing its own surprises - first we have the news that Peter
Costello won't be standing for leader or deputy leader of the Liberals,
in order to "spend more time with his family". (How can anyone say that
with a straight face?).

Malcolm Turnbull has put his hand up for the leadership, and Brendan
Nelson is expected to do the same. I imagine Turnbull will win easily;
I think Nelson is tainted by having been so much Howard's man.

And now it seems certain that Kerry Nettle will lose her NSW Senate seat.
NSW was the only state where the Green Lower House vote dropped, and it
appears that it's translated to the Senate as well. Looks as if there
will be three Liberal and three Labor Senators for NSW. I can hardly
believe it, and I'm so disappointed.

Edit to Add: Richard di Natale has also failed in Victoria - nearly got
there, but lost narrowly thanks to preferences from Families First and
other minor conservative papers going to the Liberal/National Coalition.

Bugger.

[no safe haven]

1. Oh no, not Kerry Nettle!

I really liked her spirit. Not afraid to stand up for her beliefs. Looks like a tough time in the Senate over the coming months. Bloody Family First.

I'm sure there'll be tantrums aplenty in the Libs caucus room next week - the old guard being shunted off to the side. Turnbull might have more influence now that Howard isn't breathing down his neck. Nelson wants the top job for sure but I don't think he's got the bottle for it. It's going to be interesting to see how it all pans out.

[anakie]

2. Turnbull is their only option

Nelson for reasons above, Joe Hockey is not up to it, Abbot and Downer are the old regime. Could Julie Bishop seriously put up her hand for leader and graciously accept Turnbull's offer of deputy.

Costello is a wuss showing his true lack of courage. Good riddance.

Once again, for about the nth time, the Greens come up short again. Every election I have followed they always promise so much yet every time I am disappointed. Especially so since Family First reared their ugly head. Nick X is an unknown outside of SA and I think it may be interesting once he assumes his role as co balance of power.

Here's hoping he loses Bennelong as well.


Peace

[Matilda]

3. I also continually feel disappointed at the Green vote.

I don't understand why they don't get bigger numbers in the Senate. They
were ahead by 80,000 votes at the counting for the final seat, then FF
preferences going to Lib/Nat Coalition put them 20,000 behind. They
just don't get enough primary votes, and it's so frustrating.

You could be right about Julie Bishop - perhaps the Libs will feel they
need to match Labor, woman for woman! I don't like her - she was ready
to follow Howard's reactionary line on education, and she has those
weird staring eyes. But I don't like any of them anyway - they're were
all a bunch of wimpy little toadies under Howard. Much as I don't like
him, Turnbull is the only one who stands out from the crowd.

[Matilda]

4. Tony Abbott has thrown his hat in the ring.

Announces today that he will challenge Turnbull for the Lib leadership.

Good old Mr Foot-in-Mouth himself. If anyone can ensure that the Libs keep looking backwards, he
can.

[anakie]

5. Oh let it be Abbott n/t

[Matilda]

6. Yes - Labor would stay in power for the next twelve years.

[Esra Star]

7. Abbott hasn't got a snowflakes.

Turnbull's demeanour is that he already has it.
Did you hear Paul Keating today.
Costello:- ten years in a hammock, no guts etc. nailed it.
Great interview. Describes Rudd as a "details" man.

[Aussie leftie]

8. I heard Tony Abott say in an interview that he had great people skills

[Matilda]

9. Sure he has - the only person in the country who'd insult Bernie Banton.