• Sat, November 30, 2024

by: Brian Stokes

Georgia ballot-image audit shows accuracy of Dominion voting machines over paper ballots

A first-of-its-kind ballot-image audit conducted in all 159 counties after this month's elections found discrepancies on only 87 of the nearly 5.3 million ballots cast across Georgia on Nov. 5. All but one of those discrepancies occurred on hand-marked paper ballots.

by: Brian Stokes

What to know about Kash Patel, Trump's pick to lead the FBI

Kash Patel has called for radical changes at the FBI and was a fierce and vocal critic of the bureau's work as it investigated ties between Russia and Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign

by: Brian Stokes

Demonising Dutton will backfire for Labor, just as it did for Harris with Trump

Amid the welter of commentary and post-mortems among Democrats to explain Kamala Harris's loss to Donald Trump, there is one theory that has received widespread acceptance. The Democrats made a serious tactical mistake in concentrating too much on Trump, and spent too little time promoting positive messages about Harris.

by: Brian Stokes

This man has the job of working out how Australia's social media ban will work

There are three key options to assess the age of a social media user. The company that will trial technologies for the Australian government explains what happens next.

by: Brian Stokes

Who is Kash Patel, Trump's pick to replace FBI director Chris Wray

by: Brian Stokes

Trump nominates loyalist Kash Patel to serve as FBI director

Patel, who still must be confirmed by the Senate, has promoted the false claims that the 2020 election was stolen and that a secret "deep state" cabal tried to overthrow Trump.

by: Brian Stokes

Some way to go before final election picture emerges

With counting after Friday's election still in the relatively early stages - after an exit poll that showed the main three parties effectively neck-and-neck - there is some way to go before the final picture emerges and the options for government formation crystalise.

by: Brian Stokes

'We didn't have a good day': Greens set to suffer significant election losses

The Green Party is set to suffer significant losses in the Irish General Election, with its leader expecting just a handful of parliamentarians to be returned.

by: Brian Stokes

Trudeau and Trump talk trade, border security at Florida dinner, but PM receives no promise tariff pledge will be shelved

Trump's team appeared to like the border investments that Canada has said it's planning, a source said, and the plan now is for the country to follow up with concrete actions

by: Brian Stokes

Keir Starmer to unveil plan for change with tough new targets on NHS, crime and living standards

Keir Starmer will use a major speech this week to set specific goals to meet on his flagship 'missions' by the election as the PM seeks to hammer home 'change' message to voters

by: Brian Stokes

'Clear route back to government' declares Martin as FF & FG set to keep SF out of power again while Hutch still in fight

BEAMING Micheal Martin declared he has a "clear route back to government" as Fianna Fail aim to become the most popular party in the country. But as the count continued late into the night, Fianna

by: Brian Stokes

Counting is underway in Ireland's election as 3 parties battle for top place

The outgoing government was led by the two parties that have dominated Irish politics for the past century: Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. They have similar policies, but are longtime rivals with origins on opposing sides of Ireland's 1920s civil war. After the 2020 election ended in a virtual dead heat, they formed a coalition.

by: Brian Stokes

New abandoned shopping cart retrieval program draws criticism from outgoing city councilor

Tulsa City Councilor Jayme Fowler questions why Tulsa taxpayers, not retailers, are footing the $100,000 bill for the abandoned shopping cart pilot program.

by: Brian Stokes

Harris: Fine Gael 'will gain seats' amid further fragmentation of Irish politics

Irish premier Simon Harris has said Fine Gael will gain seats in the General Election despite a further fragmentation of Irish politics. Fine Gael won 35 seats in the 2020 election, but 18 of those TDs did not seek re-election in Friday's poll.

by: Brian Stokes

Donegal General Election 2024 updates: Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher delighted to be returning to politics

Senator Niall Blaney, who is Charlie McConalogue and Pat the Cope Gallagher's Director of Elections said the tallies revealed that Charlie McConalogue's vote in Inishowen was down but his vote has increased in other areas such as Letterkenny.

by: Brian Stokes

Government formation will not be pretty when dust settles

The first time line to form a coalition will be on 18 December when the Dail next sits. It is unlikely a government will be voted in on that day. Micheál Martin has hinted at another deadline, suggesting during the campaign that a government should in place by the time Donald Trump is inaugurated as US President, on 20 January.

by: Brian Stokes

Top pollster warns Keir Starmer will struggle to convince public with his 'plan for change'

Sir Keir Starmer will set out a "plan for change" this week as part of what he is calling the next phase of government after a tumultuous start in No 10 - but Britain's top pollster has raised serious doubts about whether he can convince the public.

by: Brian Stokes

Carmel Sepuloni says coalition Government needs a 'kuia' at Christchurch Labour conference

Labour Party deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni told Labour members the coalition Government needs a "nana, tinÄ? or kuia" to keep its three leaders together. At the Labour Party conference in Christchurch today,

by: Brian Stokes

How Kristi Noem, Trump's homeland security pick, became an immigration 'zealot'

Throughout the country, Noem's focus on the border has endeared her to the Republican grass roots. The Shelby County GOP, in Tennessee, honored Noem at its annual Lincoln Day dinner over the summer, said the local party's chairman, Cary Vaughn, because, "She's a great zealot and advocate for fighting for border control."

by: Brian Stokes

Australia has overtaken New Zealand and Canada as the West's most authoritarian nation

There is something deeply odd and unsettling about Australia and New Zealand's attitude to their citizenry. Perhaps it's that they are so far away from the rest of the Anglosphere. Or perhaps historically-rooted insecurity about their national identity drives them to it.

by: Brian Stokes

How did SA's political donation ban gain such widespread support from MPs?

The South Australian parliament has backed laws to strip money out of politics - essentially, out of their own pockets. So how did the bill attract broad political support?

by: Brian Stokes

Keir Starmer attempts to 'reset' his government after disastrous start

Sir Keir will also signal that Government departments could face cuts in a tough spending review next spring that will include a "line by line" review of every item of spending.

by: Brian Stokes

Sinn Fein leader is 'very actively pursuing' trying to form a government in a bid to topple Ireland's ruling coalition after 'incredible performance' in Irish election - as ...

Mary Lou McDonald made it clear she wanted to engage with other parties about the 'possibilities of government' as Ireland's ruling coalition of centre-right parties closed in on victory.

by: Brian Stokes

Keir Starmer has shown he is ruthless and dislikes being challenged

Jason Beattie says that following Louise Haigh's resignation, Cabinet ministers will have noted Prime Minister Keir Starmer's reluctance to back a colleague in difficulty

by: Brian Stokes

Election 2024: Five things we learned from the first day of the counts

Those numbers won't be finalised until the last counts finish. But the outcome of the election is already clear. The Greens may not actually lose all their seats; there are hopes that they might cling on to one.

by: Brian Stokes

So how did Trudeau and Trump's dinner meeting go? Here's what we know

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau travelled to Palm Beach, Fla., to meet with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump on Friday night.

by: Brian Stokes

Donald Trump wants tax cuts and more in first 100 days

Trump's first term became defined by those tax cuts, which were approved by Republicans in Congress and signed into law only after their initial campaign promise to "repeal and replace" Democratic President Barack Obama's health care law sputtered, failing with the famous thumbs-down vote by then-Sen. John McCain.

by: Brian Stokes

Jeffrey Goldberg: Can People Working At Cabinet Departments "Thwart" What Trump's Nominees Want To Do?

President-elect Donald Trump and his allies have plans to overhaul the federal government after winning the popular vote, but his victory was far from overwhelming. How will Americans react to Trump's changes?

by: Brian Stokes

Sinn Fein actively pursuing route into government, insists leader McDonald

Outgoing coalition partners Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, however, claim they are well placed to return to power following Ireland's General Election.

by: Brian Stokes

It looks like the latest form of protest, and Lidia Thorpe is its master

Is taking offence the new form of protest? If so, then Senator Lidia Thorpe, the Green-turned-independent whose disruptions of parliament have become commonplace, could teach a masterclass in it. Under Thorpe's model, the more performative the offence-taking, the better the protest.

by: Brian Stokes

Canadian team told Trump's tariffs unavoidable in short term in surprise Mar-a-Lago meeting

Lago, representatives of the federal government were told U.S. tariffs from the incoming Donald Trump administration cannot be avoided in the immediate term, two government sources tell CTV News.

by: Brian Stokes

Alex Salmond: the political and personal side remembered

by: Brian Stokes

Labour 'hit job' against Louise Haigh had been brewing for months

Insiders believe Left-wing MP had a target on her back since 'going rogue' with unauthorised pay deal for train drivers

by: Brian Stokes

Over 1000 Spaza Shops Closed Since Food Poisoning Saga

President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed during his annual National Council of Provinces address in Parliament that over 1000 spaza shops were shut down.

by: Brian Stokes

U.P. govt doing politics of self-service: Mayawati

Mayawati urges BSP members to intensify efforts for power, criticizing the UP government for self-serving politics and alleging casteist tactics by the BJP.

by: Brian Stokes

Housing and homelessness biggest issue for voters, exit poll shows

Economic stability (9%), climate change (4%), crime (2%), local transport and roads (2%) and childcare (2%) all played lesser roles

by: Brian Stokes

Rafael Perez: Americans really need to relax and stop taking national politics so seriously

This is a time to appreciate your loved ones despite whatever flaws you believe them to have, so retire the pitchfork and relax a little bit.

by: Brian Stokes

Eknath Shinde suffering from fever, throat infection for 2 days: Family doc

by: Brian Stokes

Athawale comments on Shinde's dissatisfaction and ministerial roles

Athawale addresses Shinde's dissatisfaction and suggests the decision of CM's role lies with BJP. Attention shifts to key portfolio distribution in Maharashtra.

by: Brian Stokes

Sinn Fein leader wants to engage with left-wing parties 'about possibilities of government'

Early tallies in the Irish election have suggested some senior figures from the last government may struggle to retain their seats.

by: Brian Stokes

Albanese preparing January reshuffle to replace Shorten before election

The prime minister will unveil a refreshed frontbench line-up in late January to replace the retiring Bill Shorten.
  • Sun, December 1, 2024

by: Brian Stokes

How Starmer's missteps are fuelling Nigel Farage's rise

In October, UK PM Keir Starmer's favourability went below far-right Reform UK Party Leader Nigel Farage. Here's a look at how Starmer lost his charm a few months after a landslide victory and how Fara

by: Brian Stokes

Trump's Call for Mexico to Stop Migrants and Drugs May Never Be Met

It would take years, if ever, for Mexico to accomplish what incoming US President Donald Trump is demanding to avoid tariffs: stemming the flow of migrants and drugs over the border.

by: Brian Stokes

GENEVA IN 1899: The local election of 1899, Part 2

The Geneva Daily Times, then as now, framed the 1899 local election as a horse race. "More wagers have been placed on the result in this city than has been

by: Brian Stokes

Musk's team-up with Trump is different to how media barons operated in the past

Elon Musk's regular posts of strong support for president-elect Donald Trump on his social media platform X and his expected role within the new US administration present a rolling live case study on the role of social media within public and political debate.

by: Brian Stokes

Elon Musk is attacking Britain. Former PMs are building ties

by: Brian Stokes

At the root of slowdown: It's politics, stupid

The murmurs and fears echoing in living rooms, bazaars and C-suites for weeks and months have come home to roost. All is clearly not well with the economy. On Friday, the ministry of statistics informed India that GDP growth in the July-September quarter,

by: Brian Stokes

Hipkins says 'yes' to Dunedin Hospital and 'no' to Aukus

Leader Chris Hipkins has said Labour will not allow New Zealand to be a part of Aukus He made the announcement at Labour's annual conference in Christchurc

Albanese preparing January reshuffle to replace Shorten before election

The prime minister will unveil a refreshed frontbench line-up in late January to replace the retiring Bill Shorten.
The article from The Sydney Morning Herald discusses Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's plans for a cabinet reshuffle in January 2024, ahead of the next federal election. The reshuffle is primarily aimed at replacing Bill Shorten, who has been the shadow minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and government services. Albanese is considering several options for Shorten's replacement, with a focus on promoting younger talent within the Labor Party to refresh the frontbench. The reshuffle comes at a time when the government is looking to strengthen its position on key issues like the NDIS, which has been a significant policy area for Shorten. Additionally, the article hints at potential changes in other portfolios to address emerging political challenges and to position the party favorably for the upcoming election.

Read the Full Sydney Morning Herald Article at:
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/albanese-preparing-january-reshuffle-to-replace-shorten-before-election-20241130-p5kus9.html

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