And they're off!

Well finally after what seems a lifetime the Prime Minister has called the Federal Election for 24th November. Already we have seen the political parties promising this, that, and in some cases, the other!

Little Johnny and Big Pete are quick off the mark by promising tax cuts for all! It's amazing how many times this promise (aka hoary old chestnut) comes out at elections. How will the Ruddster respond? Time will certainly tell.

The Prime Minister had stated that there will be one televised debate only. However, shock horror, there will be no appearance of the worm (some say that it is truly the star of the debate). Expect the 'Pro Worms are good' group to protest outside the PM's marginally held electoral office over the next week or so.

So will the 24th of November by lucky for the Government? Well, a quick trawl on the 'net reveals that the following events have happened on this day:

• River Thames froze in 1434 & 1715 (no chance of this happening nowadays - Ed).
• Destructive eruption of Vesuvius in 1759.
• Birth of Bram Stoker, author of Dracula in 1847.
• Radio Belgium's first transmission in 1923.
• Ireland votes for independence from the UK in 1948.
• Jack Ruby shoots Lee Harvey Oswald in 1963 (or did he? - Ed).
• Miss Teenage America Pageant starts in 1973 (hooray - "I want world peace etc" - Ed).
• Test cricket debut of Richie Richardson in 1983.
• The end of the world according to the Ukranian Sect of the White Brotherhood in 1993.
• Karrie Webb wins LPGA tour championship in 1996.

So you can see there aren't any omens good or bad for the Liberal Party, or indeed the opposition. What you can be assured of, however, is lots and lots of advertising. Expect an increase in pregancies over the next 5 weeks or so as viewers switch off.

Over the course of the election we will bring you all the news, views, gossip and fashion trends of our beloved Pollies!

Stay tuned.....