The author has been described by News Ltd as an "iconoclast", "Svengali", a pollie's "economist muse", and "pungently accurate". Fairfax says he is a "Renaissance man" and "one of Australia’s most respected analysts." Stephen Koukoulas concludes that he is "85% right", and "would make a great Opposition leader." Terry McCrann claims the author thinks "‘nuance’ is a trendy village in the south of France", but can be "scintillating" when he thinks "clearly". The ACTU reckons he’s "an enigma wrapped in a Bloomberg terminal, wrapped in some apparently well-honed abs."

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

SMH: "Swan claims credit"

Interesting quotes from the SMH today:

Swan claims credit

The series of RBA rate cuts was made possible by the government's fiscal displine, Mr Swan told a media briefing.

‘‘Today’s interest rate cut and the two before have been made possible by disciplined fiscal policy delivered by this government,’’ the Treasurer said. ‘‘A responsible approach to the budget and disciplined fiscal policy is very important given the economic circumstances in which Australia finds itself and given global uncertainty.’’

Returning the budget to surplus "ensures that the government is not generating price pressures in the economy," Mr Swan Swan said. ‘‘It does give the Reserve Bank of Australia the maximum flexibility to cut interest rates if they think that is appropriate.’’