When is a promise not a promise?

Please note, as the ABN is a politically neutral organisation, the following blog does not represent an endorsement – or otherwise – of any political party. On news.com.au this morning, I read a story about rising interest rates. Read the story here. In it, the reporter quoted Prime Minister Howard as saying “Voters don’t hold politicians to promises”. Mr Howard’s point was that voters go for the “aggregate result”, rather than holding politicians to individual commitments. I thought Mr Howard raised an interesting point. What do you think? When is a promise not a promise? What’s more important – a politician delivering on individual promises, or providing a good overall result for their country?