Loose cannons

Surrounded by sharks

"I think we were on a vary big wave and all of a sudden we've been beached. And I think the Labor Party is the only party in this country that can get us back on the wave." — University of NSW Professor Paul Keating.

Human face

"Frankly, if I wanted somebody to bring a human face to the Spanish Inquisition, I would have chosen Jenny." — A former New Zealand National Party MP on Jenny Shipley, the party's new leader and prime minister.

Democracy

"Everyone should understand that this government did its best to solve the economic problems, that I chose the best team I could get, and any government that comes after me will have to do the same as I did." — Thai Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, announcing his intention to resign.

Promise?

"If anyone is going to destroy this party, it is me." — Pauline Hanson, addressing One Nation members in Gympie, November 2.

Well, of course

"Judge Urquhart [head of the NSW Police Integrity Commission] told the Parliamentary Committee on the PIC this year that he ... believed a benchmark of the PIC's effectiveness should be its record in clearing corrupt police." — Sydney Morning Herald, November 6.

Good boy

"I will do whatever I get told to do. I have always been a good boy like that." — Robert de Crespigny, head of Normandy Mining and member of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, on his role on the council.

Like resign

"Governments from time to time make mistakes, and when they do, what they ought to do is recognise it and do something about it." — John Howard, announcing his surrender on nursing home bonds.

From GLW issue 297