Is This Good or Bad News?

Gareth Parker in today's West Australian suggests that Barnett staying to fight the 2017 election could be good news for Labor. Did he know this announcement was coming?

I'm not so sure, though, because of Barnett's own logic he would have had to resign one year out from the 2017 election if he wasn't going to lead the Liberal Party at the election. That's (at least) one more year of arrogance and petulance from the small-minded man.

On the other hand, might Barnett's toxicity now encourage another Liberal to unseat him.

On the local government issue there would be a lot of pluses for someone to replace Barnett now, if he's going to hang around like the proverbial bad smell until 2017 and beyond.

The new Premier could offer all communities a Dadour Poll. Because the conditions for rejection are hard to meet, some amalgamations would probably get up, but some would not.

The new Premier could say he will not introduce a City of Perth Act, with or without gerrymander, but will allow electors of Vincent, Perth and the G5 to have a Dadour vote on the LGAB recommendations.

The new Premier could then say he has achieved some reform (something none of his predecessors had done) without trampling on people's democratic rights.

Mr Clean. Local government ceases to be a negative and disruptive issue for the Liberal Party.

Late Addition: On ABC radio this morning, Barnett said he "would always do what I think is best for the Government to be re-elected".

Time to go, Col - even on your own arguments!