Vintage sucking-up crop in TAB sell-off stakes

They were off and racing in State Parliament as all sides of politics vied for Sketch’s affections on the vexed issue of selling the TAB.

Liberal MP and former journalist John McGrath jumped out of the question time barriers with high praise for “insightful analysis” he read about the touchy subject in yesterday’s paper.

Who is Sketch to argue with the sage of South Perth?

“I’ve seen sucking up before, but this is incredible,” muttered Premier and recent TAB sale convert Mark McGowan.

But it wasn’t long before McGowan pulled boots over his jodhpurs, mounted up and used the riding crop.

“It’s not easy being in journalism these days,” the Premier lamented on Sketch’s behalf as he chased McGrath down.

“When you were in The West newsroom 40 or 50 years ago you’d go to work and retire to the Palace at lunchtime — a day’s work done.”

McGowan was about to pip McGrath at the flattery post when Arts Minister David Templeman came from nowhere snorting from the nostrils like a mustang after a “milkshake”.

“Why, why, why, why,” he screamed at the Opposition.

Sketch can’t answer that.