Advertiser Ed says "Labor should be returned to office"

[Squawk]

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/opinion/editorial-vote-on-ranns-record-not-his-personality/story-e6freabl-1225842598389

THE South Australian election campaign was encapsulated perfectly this week by two live interviews streamed on the AdelaideNow website.

In certainly their longest live and unedited interviews of the campaign, Premier Mike Rann and Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond took entirely different routes in putting forward the argument why their respective parties should be elected tomorrow.

Mr Rann followed a well-documented path. He concentrated on the Government's economic management and experience, blithely ignoring a growing crescendo of public unrest about government spin by doing just that. Often his answers were not even an attempt to answer the question.

While clearly not his controlled best, Mr Rann stayed on message with the sort of tale he hopes will still entice South Australian voters. He was focused, if not compelling.

In contrast, Ms Redmond appeared engaging and lively. Her message was the same as it has been for eight months. What you see is what you get.

Without hesitation, she handled challenging questions about religion, euthanasia and abortion in an open and exceptionally non-politic manner.

Ms Redmond showed the demands of the campaign have not slowed or challenged her determination and ability to send a strong message to the electorate. However, she too showed she can spin with non-convincing answers about policy detail, the performance of key members of her party and the Liberal Party's proclivity for leadership challenges.

Regardless of Saturday's result, Ms Redmond has enjoyed a remarkable rise in her brief time as leader. Her impact has carried the Liberals from a distant second to within reach of regaining government.

Premier or not, Ms Redmond's position as leader should not be questioned. If unsuccessful tomorrow, she should be given a full four-year tilt at government unfettered by petty internal politics.

Mr Rann, Premier for eight years and Labor leader for 15, faces a defining moment. He approaches an election which looked unlosable a few short months ago and is now balanced on a knife edge. He has been battered and bruised - physically and metaphorically - by the events surrounding Michelle Chantelois, who alleges an affair which the Premier denies.

Labor has been hit in the polls and voters say they don't trust the Premier. His loss of confidence and control has rattled senior members of his Government, underlining how much Labor relies on Mr Rann's controlling style of leadership.

Yet it is far from all bad for this Government. Kevin Foley, despite his many foibles, has carried out the order of transforming and modernising South Australia's economy. Yes, we still lag behind national averages in major economic areas, but our record is much improved. The state has an appreciably broader economic base, defence and mining promise much, unemployment is at historic lows and jobs continue to be created.

John Hill has handled the most testing portfolio of all - health - with aplomb. His plan to redevelop Royal Adelaide Hospital is the best (but not most popular) alternative.

As Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Patrick Conlon has been late arriving. but has introduced a long list of necessary and expensive public works.

While Mr Rann may be a master of spin, and is paying the price for that, when he talks about the economy and future development he is making a valid point.

Tomorrow, voters should consider this Government's record and not its image when making their choice. For that reason, Labor should be returned to office.

Responsibility for all editorial comment istaken by The Editor, Melvin Mansell,31 Waymouth St, Adelaide, SA 5000

[Brucetiki]

That's the most complementary thing Melvin's said about Labor in a very long time!

[Squawk]

That's the most complementary thing Melvin's said about Labor in a very long time!

Same thing occurred in 2006, not sure if Melvin was in the chair then or not though.

Plenty of observations to be made about this - eg the paper backing a new stadium AND a new hospital, plus running the Chantelois issue for all they can get out of it - ie maximise sales at the expense of the Govt and the Opposition, and then back one side! I really think if they plan to take sides, they should say so a bit earlier in the campaign.

[Brucetiki]

That's the most complementary thing Melvin's said about Labor in a very long time!

Same thing occurred in 2006, not sure if Melvin was in the chair then or not though.

Yeah that was him - I think Melvin's been there for at least 10+ years

[Gozu]

Rupert loves nothing more than being seen to back a winner. News Ltd papers have a tendency to tear shreds off of Labor governments during their terms and then back them at the 11th hour. If nothing else this just says The Advertiser thinks Labor will win.