Demise of the Democrats

Stott-Despoja and ChippI can’t say I’ve shed any tears at the demise of the Australian Democrats.

They were political prostitutes who never had to concern themselves with the responsibility of government.

That said, they appear rational and businesslike compared with the senate successors The Greens.

The Democrats gave us some characters like Don Chipp and the feisty Janine Haines. Natasha Stott-Despoya was pretty good looking too.

But there’s not much to lament about their political passing except the rise of an extreme left-wing alternative.

BUSINESS

Shares end year in the red

The Australian share market ended the day as it did the fiscal year - in the red. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 closed down 0.4 percent at 5215.3 points, bringing its losses for 2007-08 to nearly 17 percent.


POLITICS

Alexander Downer

Alexander Downer’s impending retirement from the Federal Parliament is no surprise.


MEDIA

Perth online war fizzles

The online media war in Perth is a fizzer. The much-hyped launch of Fairfax Media’s WA Today web site has delivered little that’s new, interesting or inspiring.

SOCIETY

Housing shortage bites

The Housing Industry Association says a million new homes are needed to house Australia’s growing population.


SPORT

Best team should have played

I didn’t agree with Pim Verbeek’s decision to play a development team in the dead World Cup qualifier against China.


TECHNOLOGY

WordPress 2.6 beta

The popular blogging platform WordPress is expected to release version 2.6 in the next few weeks.