Loose cannons

Makes sense

"A new report finds that the Independent Commission Against Corruption may hamper state business opportunities by stifling the tendering process." — Bulletin, September 7.

Better late than never?

"What we are actually doing is creating a superior dinosaur." — A Myer stores marketing specialist.

Disruptive

"They were disruptive ... because they were wandering in on occasions and pinching Minties." — Lawyer for a Caulfield brothel, objecting to the students of a school for young ballerinas that opened next door. The Victorian Administrative Appeals Tribunal ruled the ballet school would have to move.

Did we miss something?

"I think his sheer intelligence has never been effectively communicated to the electorate. I mean, he is a very, very bright man, much brighter than even many people who deal with him appreciate." — Alan Stockdale, Victorian treasurer, talking about his best mate, Premier Jeff Kennett.

Didn't think you cared

"It's a bit hard to smile and look convincing when you're announcing the end of the world." — More from Alan Stockdale.

The penny drops

"It's no longer possible, convincingly at least, to identify a clear-cut ideological difference between Labor and Liberal." — Convener of the government's republic committee, Malcolm Turnbull.

Now you know

"Those who had sharp comments either wanted to be in the ministry and missed out or had been in the ministry and had been dropped out and had an axe to grind." — PM Keating on members of the Labor caucus who criticised the budget.

From GLW issue 114