The experts
``The IMF's mask of infallibility hides a record of mediocrity punctuated by some truly costly blunders.'' -- Harvard economist Jeffrey Sachs.
White blindfold history
``I wouldn't think that would be appropriate because I don't see that in the context of people who died in wars between Australia and foreigners.'' -- Prime Menzies John Howard, rejecting a proposal for a monument to Aboriginal people killed in conflict with European settlers.
Stop press
``Indonesia is not a perfect democracy.'' -- John Howard, demonstrating how travel has broadened his knowledge.
Cooperative
``We have got a really strong commitment out of Delta to work cooperatively to increase flows.'' -- Mike Lee, deputy director of the NSW Department of Land and Water Conservation, after Delta Electricity threatened a lawsuit to block release of more water from its dams into the environmentally damaged Coxs River.
Fair go!
``There may be residual consumer prejudice.'' -- British agriculture minister Nick Brown, on the European Union decision to allow export of British beef, banned for 32 months because of mad cow disease.
No sense of priorities
``Instead of talking business, all people talk about is Pinochet.'' -- Mario Agliati, vice-president of Chile's National Chamber of Commerce.
Which are?
``The hedge funds have become the privileged children of the international financial scene, being entitled to the benefits of free markets without any of the responsibilities.'' -- Reserve Bank governor Ian Macfarlane.
Dollars vote
``The market is basically a democratic mechanism.'' -- Anthony Albanese, MP for Grayndler, guru of the NSW ALP ``Socialist'' Left.
