Saying sorry is a pretty strange way to kick off a re-election campaign.
Then again, given the NSW Labor government well and truly has the stench of death about it, this campaign is set to be a pretty strange ride.
And let’s remember, Premier Kristina Keneally is working from a low base.
As political operative Charles Richardson writes in today’s Crikey: “Anything short of annihilation will be a triumph.”
“Keneally’s words yesterday do at least amount to a genuine apology, at least in form,” writes Richardson. “And it’s plausible to think that she really is sorry that Labor has made so many mistakes — although probably less for their effect on her constituents than for their effect on her electoral fortunes.”
So is a candid moment of contrition enough to haul the NSW Premier back from oblivion?
Probably not. But points for … flair.
This morning I heard Premier Keneally debating Barry O’Farrell and she did brilliantly. She outlined the projects Labor is doing already and knew absolute details about almost everything. She explained rail projects started, art venues and even obesity measures as well as restrictions on prices such as electricity and transport.
In contrast Barry was hopeless
Get some good ALP people selected and the ALP could win this election.
On the floor of NSW parliament in Question Time Keneally is a confident and plausible performer, just as Anna Bligh is at George Street. The truth is there is no-one in opposition to match their style. But Keneally has had more losers and miscreants on her governing team than Bligh so her task for re-election is much tougher.