For want of a nail, the war was lost Apologies in advance to US readers but I found this piece of Oz political trivia too damned hilarious not to post. Robert Dean's name will deservedly be remembered in political history one day. (Background info - Elections are on in the state of Victoria, Australia. The Liberal Party is the name of the main conservative party here in the antipodes. Their Coalition partners are agrarian socialists who call themselves the Nationals.)

STATEMENT BY ROBERT DOYLE At 9.00 pm last night I was informed by the State Director that Dr Robert Dean had failed to enrol as a person eligible to vote at the forthcoming election. That advice has been confirmed this morning in writing by the Electoral Commissioner. Consequently Dr Dean is unable to stand as a candidate for the Liberal Party in the electorate of Gembrook. As a result, I have immediately terminated Dr Dean's appointment as Shadow Treasurer. I have also asked for, and received, his resignation from the Parliamentary Liberal Party