11 September 2008

Katy will be Chief.

| johnboy
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CityNews brings word of a Kirribilli style agreement between Jon Stanhope and Katy Gallagher.

    Katy Gallagher will be the next Chief Minister of the ACT, according to an understanding she has with Jon Stanhope.

    “Jon is very good to work for and he has been clear to me that he wants me to be the next chief minister of the ACT and that’s the grounds we operate on, that – as deputy – that’s where I intend to go,” the Deputy Chief Minister told “CityNews”.

I’m sure she meant to say something about it being subject to the will of the voters.

Mr Stanhope however would appear to have no plans to go anywhere soon. (Also subject to the voters one hopes).

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You can’t be Chief Minister if you’re not in Government..

Oh gee, Katy as CM. Well, the “working week” will suddenly get a lot shorter, 4 days. And the days will be shorter too, 9.30 to 3pm. wowee.

Having kids doesn’t automatically do this, but for people who become caught up in the entitlement of it all, it does.

I don’t think we should get hung up abut kids. Carnell had kids and worked around the clock as Chief Minister. The real problem with Katy is that she is hopeless. Stanhope had kids, Zed has kids.

The problem with Katy is that she isn’t smart, she’s not a policy powerhouse or a master of implementation. Her only claim to fame is saying “I’m not responsible”. Her main political strength is that she’s not Jon Stanhope and some people think she comes across as a nice girl.

She is no lawyer, or economist, or statistician, or scientist. She is an ex union official with an arts degree. A very ordinary candidate for a job which needs someone with talent and capability.

I agree Mael (and I’m female). She won’t be able to do either job (parenting and CM) well, and her track record bc (before children) was poor anyway.

Mælinar - *spoiler alert* I've seen S04E137:54 pm 11 Sep 08

I would prefer – on a generic workplace level, that an aspirant CM would be showing their passion for the role by adopting a fulltime work schedule.

The position of CM isn’t a part-time position – and at risk of appearing sexually discriminating, the job should go to the person who is most prepared, and also most able, to do the work.

MrMagoo said :

Thumper, sorry that I have to spell it out, he may have promised it and Katy may be telling anyone who’ll listen, but herpahs it won’t happen ala Mr Howard/Mr Costello.

and herpahs is code for perhaps.

Thumper, sorry that I have to spell it out, he may have promised it and Katy may be telling anyone who’ll listen, but herpahs it won’t happen ala Mr Howard/Mr Costello.

scootergal said :

Just as long as Corbell doesn’t get a look in…ever.

Yeah, but I reckon he could do an awesome underpants dance in his office!

Didn’t John Howard make a similar promise to someone….mmmm let me see who was that again?? Ah yes the scorned former Federal Treasurer who is now seeing fit to air his dirty laundary ina book.

It has been eight years actually – but if he is re-elected and does a full term as he has confirmed this week – then he will be in for at least 12 years. Imagine how big his head will be after 12 years when his ego is busting at the seams after 8 years.

Gungahlin Al1:02 pm 11 Sep 08

Yup – what they said.

And he’s the one who’s demonstrated a preparedness to listen, and then act on what he hears.

If I were on the cross benches, Andrew would be my nomination for CM.
(And I’d want the Planning and Environment portfolio!)
🙂

Just as long as Corbell doesn’t get a look in…ever.

Aurelius said :

Mr Evil, How hard can being CM be? Stanhope’s done it for ten years!

Geez, has it been that long? Time just wizzes by when you’re having fun….. 🙂

Jonathon Reynolds12:56 pm 11 Sep 08

Would that actually be a promotion going from the “Minister Never Responsible” to the dizzy heights of “Chief Minister Never Responsible” … Net increase in accountability, effectiveness and responsibility = NIL.

If I had to pick a preferred next Chief Minister out of the current Labor MLAs I prefer to see Barr get the job. As Whistle and Thumper have both indicated, at least Barr is willing to do (or be lumbered with) the hard yards.

Mr Evil, How hard can being CM be? Stanhope’s done it for ten years!

Katy’s announcement that she is the chosen one is really a shot across the bows of Barr.

Her accession to the leadership is not a given and will depend on the factional aliegance of MLAs elected in October.

Andrew Barr has had to do a lot of the heavy lifting this term while Katy has declaimed responsibility for all the messes she leaves in her wake. I understand Stanhope’s approach though. There is logic in nominating one MP to ride the elephant and wallow in the glory and nominating another MP to push the clean-up cart.

Pity her abilities aren’t as good as her ambition.

Even Reba Meagher makes her look bloody useless!

Oh please!

It doesn’t matter what understanding she may have with Jon. He won’t be around and it will be the MLAs making this decision on factional lines.

This sounds simply like an agreement between the two that he’d mentor her to make her his successor. She’s got ambitions. And he’s encouraging her. Happens in organisations all over the place. Nothing shocking in that.

Surely it doesn’t matter what ‘agreement’ there is, since the decision will be made by MLAs / factions.

The other way to read her comments is that (by common sense) you wouldn’t be Deputy unless you actually wanted to lead some day. Unlike Macklin under Beazley.

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