MPs laud Della Bosca as ex-lover named

Labor state ministers have rallied around John Della Bosca, saying his political
career isn't over after revelations of the NSW MP's affair with a 26-year-old woman.
As his former mistress, named by media outlets as Sydney comedy writer Kate Neal,
said Mr Della Bosca had "played me like a fool", NSW Police Minister Tony Kelly
defended his close friend and political ally.
Mr Della Bosca resigned as state health minister on Tuesday after his affair was
revealed in the media.
Mr Kelly said it would be the state's loss if Mr Della Bosca didn't return to the
frontbench.
"John Della Bosca is by far the most talented, strategic political person in this
state and possibly in Australia," Mr Kelly told reporters on Wednesday.
"It would be a great shame for this state for that particular brain not to be used
for the betterment of the people of NSW."
His comments were echoed by federal minister and former NSW ALP general secretary
Mark Arbib who said Mr Della Bosca was an outstanding MP who still had a political
future.
"John in particular in his portfolios has shown what an excellent minister he's
been," Senator Arbib told ABC Radio.
"So, I think it's sad that NSW has lost him in that position but he's certainly
someone who has played a big part in the party and, obviously, he's got a future in
front of him."
While coalition MPs did not wish to discuss the personal aspect of the latest
scandal to engulf the NSW government, they said it was time for the government to
sack itself and call an election.
Federal opposition finance spokesman Joe Hockey said Premier Nathan Rees could "best
be described as a coward" for not allowing the people an election before the fixed
date of March 2011.
In a bid to bring on an election, state Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell moved a
futile no-confidence motion against the government. The motion would have required
five ALP MPs to cross the floor to trigger an early poll.
It was predictably defeated but not before Mr Rees and Mr O'Farrell used the debate
to trade political blows in an attempt to undermine each other's leadership.
Mr O'Farrell likened Labor's installation of the relatively inexperienced Mr Rees as
premier 12 months ago to Frankenstein's monster who cannot be controlled.
He said Mr Rees had failed to live up to many of the commitments he made when he
came to office.
"The public of this state want an election, they want a government that's working
hard on the problems and challenges that confront them and the other people of this
state," Mr O'Farrell told parliament.
"The public want to realise the potential they offer and the potential they know
this state has."
Rising in response, Mr Rees labelled Mr O'Farrell as "a man devoid of principle,
substance or scruple, a man thoroughly unworthy to lead this state".