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Sports |
GOOD morning. Not that the events of the immediate past are any cause for
celebration; we can only hope that matters improve this week.
***
ONE cause for gloom: The setting aside of the ban on access to the
electoral funds. That decision now gives rise to grave doubts about how
that money will be used, given that a national election is just around
the corner.
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IT seemed to us, and we gather to many others, that the action by the
Ombudsman Commission in blocking access to “discretionary” and “electoral
development” funds was both timely and proper. The Commission was clearly
concerned about reckless expenditure in the run-up to Election 2007.
***
BUT last Thursday, the National Court issued a stay order that
effectively allows access to the funds. The PM, through his lawyers, has
been seeking a finding that the Ombudsman Commission action was null and
void. It will be interesting to see what the outcome of the National
Court decision will be; it would also be
informative to find out what evidence led the court to reach the stay
decision.
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RE-SHUFFLING of very senior department positions so close to Election
2007 suggests determination on the part of Government spin-doctors to
present the line-up they consider most likely to help ensure a win at the
polls. Many will see that as the Government’s political prerogative prior
to facing the electorate.
***
ON the other hand, the public is becoming aware that what benefits an
administration seeking re-election does not necessarily benefit the
people. We’ve had a question or two phoned in by readers; they’re curious
to know the Opposition’s reaction to the National Court order.
***
ENGA supremo Peter Ipatas descended on Madang on Saturday, Spy reports.
An immaculate banner announced that “the Action Governor of Enga and
upcoming new Prime Minister Peter Ipatas” would address the crowd. Wonder
how that other member also of Engan descent felt about that? We recall
him making similar declarations in Election 2002.
***
FRIDAY’S full page “advertorial” from a retired army colonel should be
cut out and framed as a genuine collector’s item. Wonder how much it
cost, and who paid the bill?
– Dee Nesenolis
 
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