No other than Peter Beattie who attracted Branson to Brisbane has entered the save Virgin crisis urging the States to stump up the money (Courier Mail 20 April) to save services to regional Australia. Given his record as a Premier, Chairman of the Commonwealth Games and Chairman of the ARL is not exactly bathed in glory a heart felt recommendation from him is probably the kiss of death. If Scurrah has urged Beattie to respond because of Scurrah's political connections, having been appointed Head of Qld Rail by Labor and his wife was former Premier Ann Bligh's (now Mrs Banking Australia) Chief of Staff it is a sign of utter desperation. The Chinese have probably read the tea leaves and will abandon the notion of any deal out of fear that Beattie might be appointed the Chairman