In this report, filed by one Billy Adams in Sydney, Howard's electoral butt
is said to have been saved by Tampa: "Just four months ago a series of
setbacks had left the the government in, as Howard acknowledged yesterday,
the depths of political despair. Pundits were predicting a slow, lingering
death for the Prime minister as Labour marched into a seemingly unassailable
13 point lead in the polls. But then the Norwegian freighter, Tampa, rescued
more than 400 asylum seekers from a stranded ship in the Indian Ocean, and
Howard seized the chance to revive the fortunes of his lifeless government.
The decision to refuse them entry to Australia sparked worldwide
condemnation, but won huge popular support at home.... Warming to the role
of a strong leader steering a nervous nation through difficult times, Howard
soared ahead in the polls."
Whew, this is so cynical! I'd rather believe the Cap'n's right....
Well, cheers & beers, m'dears--or go see Harry Potter and bliss out for a
couple of escapist hours--Candice
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Australia votes with a hardened heart (11 November 2001)
http://www.sundayherald.com/19985
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