Saturday 27th of April 2024
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power failure .....

power failure .....

Outgoing New South Wales premier Morris Iemma has announced he is leaving politics altogether. 

At a press conference to explain his reasons for leaving his position as premier, he said he was also resigning as member for Lakemba to concentrate on being a husband and father. 

Mr Iemma has defended his record as premier, saying he helped secure Sydney's water supply, revolutionise the state's power industry and bring James Hardie to justice. 

"I look back with genuine pride on the decisions of these three action-packed years," he said. 

Nathan Rees has been confirmed as Mr Iemma's replacement and the outgoing premier said Mr Rees was the best possible choice. 

Mr Iemma said his colleagues did not want him to resign. 

"They said, 'We want you to lead, but not with your team'," Mr Iemma said. 

"I took what I believed to be a package of renewal, reform and refreshment, for the party, the Cabinet. That was not accepted, so I tendered my resignation. 

Iemma Leaves Politics

kevin's lament .....

from Crikey ….. 

The office of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd today issued a statement marking the passing of NSW Premier Morris Iemma.

It would be fair to say that there was not much to be said.  

On the basis of this touching 113-word tribute, Premier Iemma's greatest claim to fame was that he happened to be in office during a visit to Sydney by the Pope & a gaggle of over-excited Namibian Catholics.  

Mr Rudd writes: 

OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER 

MORRIS IEMMA 

Morris Iemma has made a substantial contribution to public life in NSW over two decades. 

Morris achieved much for NSW, both as a Senior Minister & Premier of Australia’s largest state. 

Morris put mental health on the national agenda, brought James Hardie to account and made tough decisions for NSW’s future in the areas of desalination and energy reform. 

Morris also recently oversaw a highly successful World Youth Day festival. 

Morris’ ability, work ethic and leadership skills were acknowledged in his elevation to Premier in 2005.  

Two years later he delivered Labor a record fourth consecutive four-year term in NSW. 

I wish Morris, Santina and their family all the best for the future. 

It would appear, on this evidence, that Kevin Rudd is very much a if-you-have-nothing-nice-to-say-say-nothing man.  

Say goodnight Morris.