Money and fighting talk

The big arguments are really all about money. Being in government gives politicians a chance to divide the pie and share it out. Winning acceptance (and re-election) is all about the story you're telling while doing this.

It's no secret that the government is about to deliver a horror budget. Up until Christmas, every effort was directed towards making sure a surplus was delivered - no matter how thin or improbable it appeared.

Then, finally, Treasurer Wayne Swan was dragged into reluctantly admitting what had been utterly obvious to any economist for months. This government would remain in deficit.

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