THE REALITY IS

Woo. Gillard is an odd fish... so like Clark

JULIA GILLARD INTERVIEW ................

TV: “Before we start, as we stand here on Thursday afternoon, do you accept that tomorrow will be Friday?”


PM: “We have always supported the standard structure of the calendar and acknowledge that the public expect a regular system that provides the rhythm necessary for everyday planning and life structures. We feel very strongly about this.”

TV: “So you do agree that tomorrow is Friday?”


PM: “It isn’t important whether it is Friday or Monday. What is important is that unexpected changes don’t interfere with the normal expectations of the public - and this government has a solid record in supporting those expectations.”


TV: “But as today is Thursday, surely you can confirm that tomorrow is Friday?”


PM: “Everything is relative and whether the next day is Wednesday or Sunday is dependent on where you stand at the time. We have never challenged the current system and have the full support of the unions on this. Most intelligent people agree that changes are not required.”


TV: “Well then, what day is tomorrow?”


PM: “Tomorrow is the next day in our plan to further develop our marvelous country in many areas. We plan to continue providing better health care, reduced debt, reduced unemployment, controlled immigration and to be a world leader in controlling global warming.”


TV: “Returning to the question, can you not confirm that Friday is tomorrow?”

PM: “Friday is always around. It has been around many times before and will be around again many more times. Which is why we need - as a responsible government - to plan and organise for the future. Not just for tomorrow, but for our children and their children.

TV: “Prime Minister, the viewers are waiting for your answer on what day you think tomorrow is?”

PM: “We are dealing with bigger issues here. The Friday, Saturday, Sunday thing is not important or relevant to the scheme of things. They need to understand the critical issues and focus on the matters of concern, such as the condition of our nation and how we can continue to develop it so that all may reap the benefit.”

TV: “I’m sorry, we seem to have lost the point here again. Are you saying that it isn’t Friday tomorrow?”

PM: “The reality is that it is not important what day it is. What is important is how we handle the situation - and my government is handling it with solid policies evolved from the mandate the people gave us.”

TV: “But we just want to know if you agree that it will be Friday tomorrow?”

PM: “Let’s remain focused here. It is the nation that is important and we stand fast and rock steady in our dedication to the job in hand In closing, let me say this one more time – we are fully committed to the task and have commissioned a report that will enable us to develop the plans for the future. Thank you.”

TV: “Prime Minister .......??”

URGENT DIPLOMATIC TRAFFIC REQUIRED

This just in from Diplomatic Prawn

On the agenda of the meeting on November 18, 2008, is the re-election of the director-general of the ILO, Mr. Juan Somavia from Chile for another five year term. Mr. Somavia is the single contender for the office.

The ILO headquarters in Geneva said in a press statement that a special guest, “Mr. Angel Gurria, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development, will address the Working Party on 17 November. The discussion is being held in the context of new estimates suggesting a significant increase in unemployment and the number of working poor due to the financial crisis”.

The ILO stated, “The serving Director-General, Juan Somavia is the single contender. As of 17 October, the final date for the presentation of candidatures, the Governing Body had not received any other candidates”. Mr. Somavia was first appointed D-G of the ILO in March 1999.

Well, we here at Roarprawn can think of someone who would be good for this job...

UNEMPLOYMENT AND DEATH OF A RESTAURANT

We gave a heads up on the possibility that there were some ugly unemployment stats for Wellington a couple of weeks ago -

And today Stuff carried the bad news - there are a few empty chairs dotted around the office blocks these days - and more are expected.

But this was the really bad news of the day

The prawns have spent many a lingering lunch at Copita being well looked after by owner and expert sommelier Stephen Morris. Award winning chef Janet Grey was one of the best - elegant food with substance.

Our favourite dish was Arancini Balls - little smokey rice balls - that were unequalled anywhere in the Capital.

Janets expertise and passion in the kitchen is only matched by her knowledge and passion for rugby. We regulars are hoping she will pop up somewhere else in the city - we will follow her.

I remember seeing a certain Mr Meurant and a certain TV executive there in the middle of the scampi scandal. And my last evening drinks there was with some of the power brokers in Maoridom.

So Steve and Janet , thanks for the good times and good luck for the future. And yes, when you get back on your feet again we promise to keep the noise down....

WE NEED LEADERSHIP - THE STORM CLOUDS ARE RISING

two polls have put the shits up National and it couldn't have come at a better time. National for all its intellectual depth but the recent polls have made them look complacent and they cant afford to be.


Key is still the preferred Prime Minister and this election will largely be presidential in style. Key is the horse to back - without a doubt his understanding of the global economy is what we need need to fight the tide of red ink flowing our way from far shores.

Roarprawn thinks that Gareth Morgan is one of the greater economists of our time and his warning a week ago was that New Zealand would be "Unbelievably exposed"

We reckon that this country is still ticking along thinking things are tickety boo and that all this financial stuff will just impact on the rich.

It wont , we will have a very very tough time of it - that is becoming clearer by the day.

We hear some stats around Wellingtons unemployment are going to make for some grim reading in the next few days.

We will be hit by the global financial crisis and we need a leader who understands the markets and is prepared to make the tough calls to keep our country safe from the ill winds that are about to buffet us.