BRAND NEW DAY

A new start. Again.

This time, of course, it will all be different. Apart from the stuff that's the same.

This was written and filed to the Canberra Times hours before yesterdays ballot (forgive the boasting). nothing has required any changes . . .

A SOAP OPERA

One of the particapants in Labor's leadership challenge has likened it to "a soap opera'.

If only. Commercial soapies have a beginning, middle and, most importantly, an end. Will Labor's? I doubt it. At least until an Abbott government is installed, anyway . . .

IT'S ON - WELL, ALMOST

Kevin Rudd is about to announce he's going to challenge.

Of course, he's saying he's going to "consult with his colleagues" first.

Ho ho. He's a joker, isn't he?

This is the form guide for the challenge . . .

THE POISONOUS CHALICE THAT IS THE LEADERSHIP

My partner keeps telling me to act from the best of principles. She believes that if your heart is pure, and you intend no ill, everything will be for the best. You need to operate with a clear conscience.

This is something that this column explores. But only right at the very end.

THE OFERMOD

Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd appear locked in a deathly embrace. Neither will relax their grip until the other first abandons their desire to become PM.

Surely the only way to stop the ongoing disaster that is Federal Labor is to conscript a third person to lead the party.

These are some thoughts on the leadership battle . . .

CHANGING MISSIONS IN AFGHANISTAN

The Mission in Afghanistan has changed. It is no longer to defeat the Taliban. Now we're concentrating on Al Quaeda.

This is because we can't defeat the Taliban . . . but that's another story.

This article was published in the Canberra Times on the weekend . . .