No reported sightings of Barnaby Joyce as voting gets underway in New England and other news and views

By-election CountryMinded candidate says it's to improve the economy - The Inverell Times
Not many election candidates go into an election proposing the growing of narcotics as the new industry to revive an economy.
But Peter Mailler is up-front about it: “Medicinal cannabis is one of our key platforms. It's potentially a multi-billion dollar industry for Australia."
Barnaby Joyce says he had no prior warning of $40,000 farming prize from Gina Rinehart - ABC
"I'm trying to work out how to be polite on the stage while in the back of my head I'm desperately working out how to get this thing back," he said.
Countdown to the New England byelection is now on - The Guyra Argus
More than 2000 people have already cast their vote in Armidale as the countdown begins to next Saturday’s New England byelection. ... Armidale-based Independent Rob Taber said he’s been busy travelling “up and down” the region for the past two weeks. “I’m trying to get to as many places I can,” he told Fairfax Media on Wednesday night.“It’s so difficult in such a short campaign but we are doing our best and certainly getting around all the major towns.”
The dispiriting Queensland election campaign is a perfect example of Australia's shrinking political ambition - Brisbane Times
The Queensland election is a choice between a Brisbane rail tunnel and a North Queensland power plant and dams. That's about it, really. It's hardly an inspiring contest. It certainly isn't a battle of ideas. In effect, it's a sad, all too recognisable microcosm of Australia's declining two-party political system.
Bitcoin Mining Now Consuming More Electricity Than 159 Countries Including Ireland & Most Countries In Africa - Power Compare

Clarke hints at deal between Murdoch and Cameron: Former justice secretary says Sun switched sides abruptly ahead of 2010 election - Financial Times
Kenneth Clarke has suggested that Rupert Murdoch struck a deal with David Cameron ahead of the 2010 election which ensured that his Sun newspaper would back Mr Cameron’s election campaign. It included taking on Andy Coulson, the former News of the World editor, as communications director, if he won.
Flynn's lawyers end communication with Trump team, signaling cooperation with Mueller: NY Times - Reuters
Lawyers for Michael Flynn, President Donald Trump’s former national security adviser, have told Trump’s legal team they can no longer discuss a probe into Russian meddling in the U.S. election, indicating Flynn may be cooperating with the investigation, the New York Times reported on Thursday.
Country on verge of election as Taoiseach refuses to sack Frances Fitzgerald - The Irish Times
Fine Gael executive council to meet as officials get ready for election in mid-January
No joke: China government warns northern cities to get serious in war on smog - Reuters

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