Loose cannons

Issue 

According to Britain's Daily Mail, commenting on Chancellor Norman Lamont's August statement, "Mrs Thatcher's rule was not without fault ... but its simple truths remain".

Solidarity forever

"Mr Carr said the [November 30] national strike would only jeopardise Australia's chances of recovering from the recession, and that participation by NSW unions would not help workers in Victoria" — the Sunday Telegraph reporting on the NSW Labor leader. "Mr Carr said the leadership of [TLC secretary] Mr Easson in NSW was more 'reasonable' than his Victorian counterpart John Halfpenny ..."

Oval nursery

Former US President Ronald Reagan reportedly gave "new boy" Bill Clinton a jar of red, white and blue jellybeans when the president- elect recently visited the Reagans in Los Angeles, saying the sweets proved to be a "source of comfort" in the Oval Office.

Popular democracy

Labor's Stephen Loosley wants four-year terms for federal government to double effective time in power, saying currently year one was just for settling in, year two the only time when governments can "make realistic assessments and introduce change without having to face immediate electoral consequences", with year three to prepare for elections. The only downside is "possibly a certain limited frustration with unpopular administrations".

{Kelly cartoon}

Up in smoke

"[Prince Charles] used 'tact and uncharacteristic firmness' to persuade his parents, the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, that the 'tax holiday' was over" — November 29 Sun-Herald.

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