not too much

Simon Benson in The Daily Telegraph (12 Mar 10):

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd took his health war against NSW a step too far yesterday in what appeared to be a deliberate attempt to publicly embarrass Premier Kristina Keneally.

The PM left Ms Keneally and her advisers stunned when he snapped "let's get on with some health reform", after she delivered a glowing welcome to the PM before a closed door meeting to break the impasse over NSW's reluctance to sign up to Mr Rudd's plans.

It follows an incident last week at an International Women's Day function in Sydney where Mr Rudd allegedly verballed Ms Keneally, in front of guests, after blaming the NSW Government for running a fear campaign against the reforms.

Imre Salusinszky writes similarly in The Australian (13 Mar 10):

It was a moment which, in the annals of political incivility, will rank alongside Mark Latham's power handshake on John Howard in 2004.

During a picture opportunity ahead of talks with Kristina Keneally at her Sydney office yesterday, Kevin Rudd pointedly refused to look at the NSW Premier as she offered him a warm welcome.

As Keneally spoke, Rudd stared down at his folder. He then looked up and, without meeting her gaze, said curtly: "Let's get on with some health reform."

"Right," said Keneally, clearly abashed.

Snubbing Keneally—one of the most decent people you would ever meet—takes some hide. Nor is this the first time: Keneally was reportedly distraught after Rudd was rude to her at a function in Sydney last Friday. The episode confirms suspicions—which reach to the top of the NSW Labor government—that what Rudd really wants out of health reform is a fight, to create maximum political distance between himself and his NSW cousins.

Killing off NSW Labor premiers for his own advantage is becoming a nasty habit for Rudd. [. . . ]

All of this highlights the personal difference between Rudd and his predecessor. Howard was a model of civility towards the Labor premiers. In July 2007, Howard and Iemma held a joint press conference in Sydney, on the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation forum leaders meeting. Reporters were goading Howard to attack the NSW Labor government. Howard wouldn't have a bar of it. Iemma never forgot the gesture. For him, it demonstrated that Howard, a political foe, understood where politics ended and the national interest began.

Hmm.

But for Howard the hopeless NSW Labor Govt was an advantage. Rudd must worry the effect the nincompoops will have on his election this year before NSW goes to its election next March. Like most long term Labor supporters, I am completely fed up with the NSW lot. Kenneally may appear pleasant but she is under the control of the NSW right.
BrianR - 12 03 10 - 22:08