Doing Europe

Flexibility?

The new Greek government# has been on a soothing tour of Europe , trying to allay fears of a "grexit" from the Euro zone. It seems to have worked to some extent , however , in view of past events , there's a certain amount of caution in the air.
Conditions in Greece for its population are not improving out of sight and when the austerity measures were first introduced it was on the Euro zone's assumption that conditions  would be almost back to normal within two years. It is now three years and as of August 2014 the country's unemployment rate was 26%. Contrary to popular belief Greece has actually achieved a budget surplus.
There are a number of proposals on the table including restructuring of the loans or other measures but for the moment it seems that the European Central Bank's flexibility is the unanswered issue while the future of the currency is still a bit wobbly.

Peter Greste: Australian journalist on his way home

The time has come.....

To speak of many things

 He might survive , he might not.It's all looking a bit "iffy" for the PM. Being a cyclist he's probably a past master of back-pedalling which he'll have to do like greased lightning over the next few months. Probably he's feeling a bit numb, that's what happens when you lose the touch.
Who knows? Six months, in politics, can be an eternity when a week's reputed to be a long time.

Riding wildly in all directions at the same time....

All together now

The controversy of the  Australian knighthood awarded to HRH Prince Philip continues to appear in the press.

"My leadership style's a bit different but we'll get there.." 

 Lots of spin from the PM's senior colleagues. changing the subject by those who don't have an opinion and mutinous rumblings from backbenchers.

If one displeased the ancient Moguls it was a question of "Off with his head"  and your head would be an integral  part of a jolly game of polo amidst a blur of whinnying horses and clouds of dust in the middle of the Steppes. Today's Moguls are a little less bloodthirsty but nevertheless, the physically wilting Murdoch (it's the story of Dorian Gray come to life, Rupert looks like he has to screw his hat on ) has called for Peta Credlin's head (Abbott's top aide)  to be delivered on a salver.The press and others are having a field day and the saga continues despite apologies and "Mea culpa" acknowledgements . 

The PM's leadership style seems to be one of looking back to the future.But as with everything , there's only so much one can make out of the episode...this,too shall pass.

A fillip for Oz

His Royal Highness the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth and Baron Greenwich, KG (Knight of the Garter), KT (Knight of the Thistle), OM (Order of Merit), GBE (Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire), AK (Knight of the Order of Australia), QSO (Companion of The Queen's Service Order), PC (Privy Counsellor).

Furore, outrage, huffin' and  puffin' , righteous indignation.These were some of the emotions that greeted the announcement that Prince Philip had been awarded an Australian knighthood. Tony's the man that done it! Captain's pick,purred he, then a couple of days later told everyone to take it easy, calm down, take a step back etc etc.  

In a hut in remote Yaohnanen on the island of Tanna in the South Pacific,  there is a shrine dedicated to The Duke of Edinburgh with clippings, correspondence and portraits, Children on the island are taught about a god who lives overseas in England and who will one day return , sleep in a hut and hunt for pigs with the villagers. Should be fun, he's always been a keen sportsman.

So, no furore here, not so perhaps,  amongst the pigs.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-01-27/prince-philip-the-styles-and-titles-of-the-british-royal/6048142