
Issue No 112		21 September 2001

LaborNET	Ask Neale	Tool of the Week

Satire

Ode to Leon

Long-time sparring partner, Peter Botsman submits this lyrical tribute to Costa's career.

***********************

Oh Leon where did I go wrong!

I've had to seek benediction,

From an awful Catholic faction,

l've done my time as Secretary

and now its to an upper house peneteniary,

Where I will have a go as a Labor MLC,

with Meredith Burgmann in the chair

Allowing all to bite, snarl and stare.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Oh Leon where did I go wrong!

World revolution didn't come,

So I've thrown my lot in with Johno and his mum,

Conference is always so much fun,

Using all the tactics you taught me

To taunt the Lefties and the trendies

Don't they know I've organised a railway -

Thomas and all his chums!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Oh Leon where did I go wrong!

Trades Hall is just so drab

No-one understands my gift of the gab

and penetrating intellect.

It's been such a chore to take over from Peter and

from Michael

I didn't mean to be so spiteful.

I really can at times be quite delightful!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Oh Leon where did I go wrong!

I read five books before brekkie and even taunted Kelty

about his amalgamation strategy!

On a Harvard Course funded by the ultra right I've even had a go at Robert Reich!

and poor old Less than Thorough will never be the same

after I complained.

But do you think they'd say "I was right".

Oh no, alas Leon, no-one understands poor old moi.

But I am right, you know, I am.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Oh Leon where did I go wrong!

Now its off to work with MIchael Egan

and good old Amanda to boot

Well find something to do

Perhaps I will one day run this state

If only I could find a friend or two!

Who would just believe in me, and my

gifted barbery,

Perhaps I'll ask Mark Duffy to come back and work for me.

View entire issue - print all of the articles!

Issue 112 contents

Interview: Exit Interview
Michael Costa looks back at his 14 years with the Labor Council to chart the highs, the lows and the bits in between.

Parliament: Opening Salvo
In his Maiden Speech, delivered this week, Costa gave vent to his views on immigration, Marx, globalisation and mental health.

Scandals: My Evil Twin
Co-conspirator and 'intellectual soulmate' Mark Duffy recounts the legendary 'Leaked Paper' Affair and how its predictions soon came to pass.

Politics: An Agent for Change
Former secretary Michael Easson argues that Costa was instrumental in redefining the factional balance in NSW in the wake of the Cold War.

Review: The Thoughts of Chairman MC
Neale Towart trawls the collected works of Michael Costa and looks at his love-hate affair with Marx.

Factions: Kyoto Sunset
Naomi Steer - the first left-winger to work at Labor Council in decades - recalls how she discovered the real Michael in a Karaoke lounge.

History: A Proud Tradition
Former Premier Barrie Unsworth argues Costa enters Parliament as the best qualified Labor Council leader ever to make the transition.

Psychology: The Man Behind the Mask
Costa's predecessor Peter Sams argues that behind the bluff facade lay a loyal and caring friend.

Seduction: Michael and Me
Chris Christodoulou recounts how Costa convinced him to cross the factional divide and take up residence in Sussex Street.

Satire: Ode to Leon
Long-time sparring partner, Peter Botsman submits this lyrical tribute to Costa's career.

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