Posted on 08/21/2010 12:49:31 AM PDT by naturalman1975
He only looks to be about 5 foot tall, which makes him look even younger.
We get a mix - some are good. Some are bad.
At this point, I’m feeling pretty good. Listening to the independents and looking them up - I think we’ve got a good chance at a minority conservative government - 73 coalition, and three conservative independents worried about rural issues as a block gives us the 76. No guarantees, and a minority government is not ideal - but I really think it’s possible.
Labor: 70
Liberal/Nationals: 73
Other: 5
These are predictions - not calls - but getting pretty solid at this point.
5 foot tall - maybe he’s still growing! LOL. We grow farm kids big here and he looks small for a farm boy. Looks like he needs some “mama’s cooking.”
I’m happy you’re feeling good about the election. I admire your country and hated to see that Kevin Rudd (ear wax eater) elected. I liked John Howard a lot.
Thanks for keeping me informed. I appreciate all the time you spent with me.
Worst case is we’ve cut back Labor’s lead. Even that’s enough to make me happy. A minority government would definitely make me even happier though.
Sorry, it seemed as if FR went down on my end, I could not get any pages to load.
So how does this split play out with the Prime Minister position?
In essence, both Labor and the coalition will have to try and get the support of enough independents to form a government. That means making deals.
As the incumbent, convention says Ms Gillard has the first chance to do this.
Whoever manages to form government will be the Prime Minister.
I am smiling. I hear you on Labour. I despise Labour, also. I hope you get the minority government. It’s possible!
Having originally come from his seat and seen him in action, Oakshot is the most likely to jump ship to support Labor of the 3 ‘conservative’ MPs. I don’t trust him.
Whatever happens, this is failure for Gillard and success for Abbot, she lost the majority.
I guess we have to wait and see.
The Prime Minister is coming out to speak.
to a half empty hall, hardly anyone there, look at the view from the stage.
JG has got her knee pads on already to the indies and greens.
Precis of speech:
“The people have spoken but it’s going to take a little while to determine what they have said.”
“Too close to call.... a number of days to count.”
References to the independents by name.
Points out that she remains Prime Minister until the outcome of the election is known.
Making her pitch for the support of the independents and Greens.
Acknowledges Mr Abbott - different world views, and opinions. Calls him a formidable opponent and congratulates him on his campaign.
Acknowledges her party and the union movement.
Claims she kept the country employed.
Workers rights workers rights workers rights.
Every child is entitled to a great education (actually, even I think she is pretty good on that).
Health care for all.
“We’ve sat here since 6 o’clock. It’s now 11.30 and we haven’t got a clue.”
And with that I think I’ll be heading to bed soon.
Theoretically she can remain Prime Minister if she can grasp enough support if I’m understanding correctly.
It looks like the most powerful people in Australia right now are those few independents.
Yes - she can remain Prime Minister as long as she has ‘the confidence of the House’.
Basically if a majority of members vote her out (76) she has to either resign so her party can choose a new Leader (who will become Prime Minister), or ask the Governor General to dissolve Parliament for another election.
To stay in government with a minority, she needs to get enough independents (and the Green) to agree to support her on ‘confidence and budget motions’ (nothing else) to stop that magic 76 votes against her.
Tony Abbott speaking:
“This is a night for pride in our achievements, for satisfaction at the good results that have been achieved, but above all else mature reflection on the magnitude of the task ahead.”
“Great night for the Australian people.”
“I feel humbled as I feel of the responsibilities that could lie ahead.”
Thanking everybody.
“On current counting, the first ever indigenous member of the House of Representatives will be a Liberal member.”
“I acknowledge my opponent... the last eight weeks could not have been easy for her, and she worked very hard for her cause under difficult circumstances.”
“A win for the Australian people.”
“We do not have a clear result and until we do, the caretaker provisions must continue. What is definitely clear is the Labor Party has definitely lost its majority and what that means is that the government has lost its legitimacy and I say that a government that found it very hard to govern effectively with a makority of 17 seats will never be able to govern with a minority.”
400,000 more people voted for the coalition than for Labor.
Labor achieved lowest primary vote of any government since the second world war.
The Australian people have responded to the clear policies.
Local control of schools and hospitals, practical environment policies, and a strong economy that understands the need of small business.
Australian people have rejected factionalism.
Referendum on the political execution of a Prime Minister - our political system should never be characterised by the midnight knock on the door by the faceless men of the Labor party.
The coalition is back in business.
Stable, predictable, and competent government
Will be talking to the independents.
Good night all. No result tonight and it’s midnight here, so I shall go to sleep.
Sleep well naturalman and please keep me updated on what happens. I’m very happy for you that Abbot was able to bring in some many wins!!!
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