Loose cannons

Security

"I feel a lot less under threat here [Majorca] than in Australia." — Bankrupt entrepreneur Christopher Skase, who faces criminal charges in Australia but none in Spain.

Please send money

"Mr Skase needs support. He is a bankrupt, and the only support he has is from family and friends." — Skase's lawyer.

Torture

"You've got hardened detectives, trained to handle criminals, being subjected to whale noises." — NSW senior detective, criticising a program designed to help coppers cope with stress.

Overactive Jaws

"We are all watching as the leadership is swallowed by a political Jaws." — Federal Liberal MP Steele Hall on John Hewson and Bronwyn Bishop.

Didn't like the question

It's becoming risky for journalists to interview pollies in the Northern Territory. Following an incident last year in which Country Liberal Party MP Max Ortman wrapped a microphone cord around an ABC journo's neck, CLP backbencher Mick Palmer head-butted and punched Sunday Territorian journo John Loizou in a wine bar on January 31.

Insider's view

"It could be a total waste of money. That's the way capitalism works." — Bill Gates, chair of the Microsoft software company, on his plans for fibre optics and interactive television.

Another ALP?

"How to create a modern centrist-right party capable of winning Federal elections ought to be the abiding obsession of Liberal MPs ..." — Columnist Christine Wallace in the February 4 Financial Review.

From GLW issue 130