SYDNEY—Australia’s Prime Minister Julia Gillard was rescued Thursday by police from a group of angry protesters brandishing sticks and rocks surrounding a Canberra restaurant where she was attending an official function.
The ugly incident marred the nation’s national holiday, Australia Day, and came as Ms. Gillard and opposition leader Tony Abbott participated in a function to honor emergency service workers.
At least 50 police—some with riot gear—were deployed after protesters broke off from a nearby event commemorating a landmark for indigenous people and began banging the restaurants windows.
“Police observed between 50 and 100 people around the Pork Barrel Cafe, yelling at diners inside,” said police in a statement following the incident. Police said the protesters were seen brandishing sticks and rocks.
Video footage on national television showed the prime minister falling as police officers rushed her to a waiting car amid angry scenes. Police said nobody was injured and there were no arrests.
Apparently the irony of the Southern Hemisphere’s greatest kleptocrat dining at a place called the “Pork Barrel Cafe” was lost on Gillard and her staff.
What’s all about for? Tax?
http://wattsupwiththat.com/2011/11/17/i-blame-the-australian-carbon-tax-for-price-increases/#comment-801958
Cinderella will have to meet Prince Charming on ebay to get her glass slipper back
“We’ll sell Julia Gillard’s shoe, say Aboriginal activists”
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/national/well-sell-gillards-shoe-say-activists/story-e6freooo-1226254850047
Here is an entertaining post about the day from our Professor Bunyip.
And from Herald-Sun newspaper today:
“Activist Pat Eatock ended up with the size 36 blue heel and said it would not be returned to Ms Gillard, even if she asked.
“She can’t have it, this is going on eBay,” said Ms Eatock, 73.”
Not Cinderella, Gingerella.