Politics

Political will is in short supply

Brexit is causing a curious stasis in UK politics in the four constituent nations. It is as though no-one really knows what to do next, writes Murray Ritchie. 2022 looks like being…


Australia: the politics of border control

When Novak Djokovic took up residence at Melbourne’s Park Hotel for a few days, the world noticed the desperate refugees locked in with him. But he has left the building and the…


Securing borders is neither easy nor cheap

The UK should beware when it looks to Australia for a solution to ‘stop the boats’. The cost to the Australian taxpayer of detaining asylum seekers has been estimated at A$4 million…


The changing of the political guard

Battles to save the planet have re-ignited inter-generational conflict, writes Geoff Kitney. In Australia, the young are taking on the big mining companies whose wealthy owners wield immense power. Beware the children….


Covid: the moral dilemma

Geoff Kitney poses the question: Is the sacrifice of a loved one just an unfortunate price that has to be paid for the freedom of others? All things are relative, even death.  So, if you…


The greening of Scottish independence

The Green Party’s latest foray into government has just taken place in Scotland, boosting the drive for Scottish independence. No longer can the Greens be seen in Britain as just an eccentric…



Will Covid spawn electoral success?

With approval ratings as high as 90 per cent Australia’s state leaders and the parties they lead look set to reap the rewards of keeping their communities safe, writes Geoff Kitney. While…


Politics trumps pragmatism in Brexit deal

It is not the end of Brexit, but with the newly expressed amity and partnership between the two parties, it may be the end of the beginning, writes John Egan It is…