Saturday, November 24, 2007

John Howard Concedes - Rudd and Labour Wins

It appears that the bookies,as usual,had the right of it.

John Howard and the Liberals were defeated in the Australian elections after over a decade in power by the Australian Labour Party and Mark Rudd, an ex-diplomat.

The vote was around 53 per cent to 46.8 the last time I checked, and Howard has already conceded.

Rudd's agenda as announced includes a pullout of Australia's 550 diggers from Iraq and signing the Kyoto Protocol. While Rudd is unlikely to distance himself overmuch from what he referred to as `Australia's great friend and ally, the United States' - most of the Australian public wouldn't stand for it - I have a feeling that the relationship will certainly not be as much in sync as it was during Howard's tenure.

I don't begrudge the Ozzies their choice..John Howard was around for quite a long spell, was planning to retire after a couple of years and I think part of the results reflect that. But I'll be sorry to see him go.

Ta, Mr. Prime Minister..and thanks.

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