Anyone?

It's the opposition partys minister who is supposed to stay informed on what the ruling partys minister is doing. So for every minister, there's a shadow minister and it basically means what it sounds like. They shadow them and point out their faults and mistakes.

Problem is, shadow ministers are shadow ministers because their party wasn't good enough to win the election...so they probably have some faults and mistakes of their own.

Do they actually have power or authority? or are they just a ball boy.

No power -they're the opposition, the party that's not in power.

The shadow treasurer is the person who would be treasurer if the government today fell and the opposition took power.

You'd think somone so vocal about political systems would have a grasp on this simple concept use in so many English-speaking nations :rolleyes:

:p

We have minority leaders, but they have some formal power, just not in the Executive Branch. I admit to much ignorance about the Parliamentary system of Government in many countries. I have more interest in the dictatorships and or socialist policy of European government.

One point to Ali - she has moved to foreign affairs, not defence.

happy, I went to take the test to be a 2010 census worker this evening. I got 100%. Apparently not everyone does, so I'm quite proud of myself :D

Shadow ministers may not have formal power, as such, but there are advantages that go with the role. The official opposition (as monster described they're basically a parallel cabinet in waiting) has access to resources and a level of... *thinks* ... 'regard', within the system which the minority parties (even the Lib Dems, the third wheel of British party politics) do not get.

Did you have to bring your own Chianti?

no. no whine was allowed. Didn't stop somene storming out, though

Hey batter batter Hey batter batter SWING! Get out the rye bread and the mustard, Grandma, it's Grand Salami time!!!

WOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Ken Griffey Jr returns to the Seattle Mariners. Hell. Ken Griffey Jr *IS* the Seattle Mariners!

A Cincinnati Reds legacy.

Just goes to show you that there really is no such thing as loyalty in sports anymore. Highest bidder wins. I am not complaining about it, just an observation.