Loose cannons

Success formula

"The difficulty with [French president-elect Jacques] Chirac is that, despite his 30 years in politics, nobody knows what he stands for. He has that in common with [current president Francois] Mitterrand ..." — Jonathan Fenby in the May 9 Sydney Morning Herald.

Making money

"There is no challenge or stimulation left in politics, and there are opportunities in the private sector to use my experience and knowledge in a more fulfilling way." — Former NSW premier John Fahey, announcing plans to retire from politics.

Not in touch

"In the Senate I would die ... I'm someone who enjoys talking to people. I don't think it's in touch with real people." — John Fahey, rejecting the idea of entering federal politics.

Stolen clothes

"The only couple of billion dollars that you had left in your policy locker was flogging of the Commonwealth Bank. Now we have stolen those clothes from you, too." — Labor Senator Gareth Evans, taunting the Liberal opposition that the ALP has once again outflanked it to the right.

Must be next

"The government's never sold any part of Telecom, and it has no intention of doing that." — Treasurer Ralph Willis, being just as categorical as he was about the Commonwealth Bank two years ago.

US style

"Mr Clinton [in a speech in Moscow] urged Russians to exercise their votes, even when they felt powerless and disillusioned." — May 12 Sydney Morning Herald.

From GLW issue 187