Premier Bob Carr heads the list of longest served Premiers, and best paid, politicians in history. He has wealth, an egohood, a captivating wife, charisma. At home in various Machiavellian intrigues and an accomplished historian, he is also infuriatingly brainy. Put another way, he is ambitious, self-centred, workaholic, privileged, caustic and suicidal. Human nature is not always generous to those who win. Here, then, we have the faithful portrait of Australian version of democracy.
Politics Dinner, a chat with Carr for only $15k
Some of the state's biggest corporations and their high-flying executives will get the chance to meet the Carr Government's new ministry next month - but they will have to pay up to $15,000 for the privilege.
· Master of the State [SMH]
· Freedom of ( or from) Information [Stateline ABC]
Iraqi PR man's great future
The Iraqi Minister of Information, whose ability to defy reality has made him something of a cult figure in the West, has had a website dedicated to his pronouncements which is already drawing massive numbers of hits.
His ability to work for a doomed cause and show fortitude in the midst of great strain is already triggering commentators to wonder about where his talents may be most usefully employed in future. Here are some of my and Samizdata's suggestions:
* One Nation campaign manager (no explanation really required)
* Bob Carr's humility counsellor
* Spin doctor for the 2GB
* George W. Bush's elocution coach
* Tim Blair's psychiatrist (a tough assignment, admittedly)
* Chief coach to the Australian soccer team
And finally,
* Management consultant to the Fox's news service.
