Loose cannons

In-expressways

"Things introduced by decadent capitalism have made inroads into our country, penetrating all sectors in the party and society." — Hou Zongbin, vice-chairperson of the Chinese Communist Party's discipline commission, in an editorial published in major newspapers.

Contemporary off-spin

"The prime minister will substantiate our relationship with Britain in the context of contemporary issues." — Liberal Senator Robert Hill, trying to explain why John Howard is visiting England (and the second test at Lord's) when most government leaders are going to New York for the UN Earth Summit.

By chance

"I think Australians expect their prime minister to barrack for their team when he is overseas and he happens to be in the same city at the same time." — Howard's explanation of why he would be at Lord's.

On whose side?

"I decided that I was too young to retire and realised there are still some important battles to be fought and I want to be in there fighting them." — Battler Wayne Goss, former premier of Queensland, announcing plans to seek an ALP seat in federal parliament.

Due process

"We are going to resolve this through proper ALP processes and, if the party wishes, this can include a conference debate." — NSW Premier Bob Carr, backing down, in the face of a threatened backbench revolt, on plans to legislate electricity privatisation before a state conference has considered whether to change the party's position of opposing privatisation.

From GLW issue 279