Loose cannons

And deaf and blind

"You would have to be naive in the extreme to believe that every member of a police force is totally incorruptible." — Queensland police commissioner Jim O'Sullivan, quoted in the Bulletin.

Of course not

"I'm not suggesting that 7% unemployment means full employment." — Employment minister Kim Beazley, preparing a new fiddle on unemployment statistics.

Grassroots

"We were simply required, like good boys and girls, to stand up and applaud, so that the TV cameras would have an image of total unity and support." — A submission from the Maroubra branch of the Liberal Party, complaining that the party wasn't consulted about John Hewson's Fightback! policy.

The leader

"This is a guy who has to be told to do his homework and eat his spinach and get to places on time." — An unnamed "close friend" on US President Bill Clinton, quoted in Time, June 7.

Tell us anothery ...

"The ALP has managed to regenerate itself while in office. Unlike any time before, young people are actually coming up through the party while it is still in power." — Reba Meagher, president of NSW Young Labor.

Heroism

"He understands and knows exactly how to make women forget crime on their doorstep, unemployment rates, wars and family crises. He offers total escapism." — Mills and Boon senior editor Luigi Bonomi on the characteristics of a romantic hero.

No rush

"Very gratifying, very satisfying." — Tory peer Lord Trevor on what it felt like to give his maiden speech after 43 years in the House of Lords.

From GLW issue 103