http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/political-news/dont-blame-us-swan-on-vitriol-20121230-2c1hw.html

THE Gillard government bears no responsibility for the negative and vitriolic tone of the political debate in 2012, says Treasurer Wayne Swan.

He admits the ''scrappy'' political year turned many voters off politics but denies the government contributed to bitter partisanship that defined it.

''I don't concede that the government has been behind personal attacks,'' he said. ''We want to have a policy discussion based on the facts, not on the aggressive negativity, particularly the likes of which we've seen from Tony Abbott … to say that's a personal attack on Tony Abbott, given the events of last year, I find quite extraordinary.''

This year, Prime Minister Julia Gillard labelled Opposition Leader Mr Abbott a misogynist, Health Minister Nicola Roxon said he had an ''issue with capable women'', and Mr Swan called him a ''policy weakling'' and a ''thug when it comes to personal attacks''.

Climate Change Minister Greg Combet called Mr Abbott a ''wrecker'' and said everything the Opposition Leader had told the public about carbon pricing was ''complete bullshit''.

But Mr Swan denied the government was culpable in helping to set the low tone of what has been labelled the nastiest political year in memory.

''You've got to be kidding me. The negativity in policy and personal attacks have all been from Abbott. I mean, for god's sake, these are the people who are now hung out to dry for their activities in terms of Mr Ashby and company,'' he said in reference to the Federal Court finding that the Liberal National Party-endorsed candidate, Mal Brough, conspired with James Ashby to end the political career of former speaker Peter Slipper.

Quote:

The negativity in policy and personal attacks have all been from Abbott

Swan - you've got to be kidding me

Every freaking policy announcement from the ALP have been laced with personal insults and negativity of the LIBs

This year Labor gave back about 20% of what the Liberals have been giving for the whole term and the Libs squeal like stuck pigs.

They can give it ok but start sooking when they get some back, Abbott even went crying to Margie.

Typical of the dishonest bullies that they are.

Gumpy's got nada ....

Here's an idea for you Gumpy ... list every personal insult directed to a labor MP this yr .. I know you can only put a maximum of 5500 characters per post, but you can feel free to post as many times as you like until you run out of personal against labor.

Dnarever wrote on Dec 31^st, 2012 at 12:25pm:

This year Labor gave back about 20% of what the Liberals have been giving for the whole term and the Libs squeal like stuck pigs. They can give it ok but start sooking when they get some back, Abbott even went crying to Margie. Typical of the dishonest bullies that they are.

The red-headed pig wearing lipstick is still a pig regardless of how much she's been squealing there will be a budget surplus in 2012/13 no ifs no buts

I think she meant to say there would be a boat people surplus.

Any reasonable, open-minded person would have to concede that Gillard's Labor has embarked on a deliberate campaign of vitriol this year against the one person they fear, Tony Abbott.
It has been a concerted, scripted campaign, mainly executed by the Labor women, in particular Gillard herself, Roxon, Plibersek, The Little Dumpling One (not that she can get many hackles up anymore) and Wong.
It has not gone unnoticed by the public and they have not done themselves any favours by this campaign, which they will discover later this year.
End of story!

I don't recall any green, independant, coalition MP abusing or calling a member of parliament any derogatory names, maybe Hockey calld Swan a moron??

But look at the language out of ALP directed at others? Look at the language Gillard uses, she is a disgrace to the office of PM.

Oh poor widdle Phony Tony...its no wonder he's hiding behind his wifes skirt... ;D