[NZerFromHK]

I do remember last year when it seems Latham could be the Prime Minister of Australia, many compared him with Paul Martin because of his relatively fiscal free-market orientation, and his triangulating posture with the United States (doing just enough so as not to appear openly anti-American as Jean Chretien, but of course not supportive of the US as does John Howard).

Does it seem to you he sounds like Paul Martin, now that we have access to his diaries?

[Allan]

I do not see much similarity to Paul Martin.
To begin with Latham does seem to have an inner life
and some personality
however abhorrent.

I suspect Paul Martin's private thoughts consist of slogans
just as tedious as his public ones.

I can't imagine Paul Martin would waste his time
keeping a diary
much less have it published.

It is quite clear
however
that if Paul Martin were permitted by his electors
he would prefer much friendlier relations with the USA
if only for the furtherance of his business interests.