Some points I noted
#When asked about his personal attacks on the opposition his justification was that they had done this to him in the two previous election campaigns. A modern version of "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth"?
#When asked whether his 30+ year career as a professional politician or political staffer was too narrow he replied that the Leader of the Opposition was in the same situation. This seems to be a significant bending of the truth: according to his website Mr Kerin has only been an MP for 12 years. Mr Rann's website tells us that he has been an MP since 1985.
#Answering the question about his career in politics he called the Leader of the Opposition "Bob" Kerin. How would he feel if someone called him "Mick" Rann? As today is St Patrick's Day perhaps he wouldn't mind because it might even win him a few votes, but any other time?
#He dodged a question about whether he would support the view of some sections of the ALP that the leader should be able to select his ministers rather than having them elected by Caucus.
I'm concerned that the personal abuse attack strategy which has been one of the cornerstones of the Rann/ ALP campaign strategy in this election will be carried over into post election political life and become increasingly legitimised. If, as seems likely, Mr Rann is re-elected and his party has a clear majority he will have fewer restraints on his use and potential abuse of power. His powers of patronage will be further expanded yet, as several commentators have mentioned about the current ALP, the pool of talent available to draw upon will be reduced. Is this how modern democracy functions?
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