1.   SIR Edward du Cann has been walking a financial tightrope for so long that the only surprise is that it has taken him so long finally to fall off.

2.   But the only surprise is why it took so long.

3.   But the only surprise lies in the fact that the mugging of Harris has taken place in the broad light of day.

4.   Experts on the federal budget say the only surprise is that it took so long for the fights to begin.

5.   For the weeks of the Biennial, the Medusas were not the only surprises.

6.   Georgy said the calf number, slightly less than trade estimates, was the only surprise in the report.

7.   Given the fragile state of the business, the only surprise is that more hospitals do not close.

8.   Given the ambivalence with which fans have greeted the game since the strike aborted last season, the only surprise is that each WANTS to carry the games.

9.   He said revenue was the only surprise in the results.

10.   In figure skating circles, perhaps the only surprise was that the accusations did not involve ice dancing.