Labour council leaders used to running their fiefs without much opposition may balk at proportional representation which is strongly favoured by folk such as Mr Midgley.

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That may help him to attract voters from the centrist Christian Democratic Party, some of whom balk at Mr Lagos because he is a socialist, albeit a moderate one.

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The risk, of course, is that buyers may balk.

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It is possible that lawmakers would balk at trying to bankrupt the global financial system.

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Mr Walsh is right to be fearful, particularly if unions balk at his plans to cut 3, 500 jobs and opt to launch a summer of strikes.

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That is about three times the current number, but millions balk at the cost.

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Many may balk at the return of such a notorious figure, but the government says he is making tourism a priority and understands the conditions needed to attract visitors.

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Meanwhile, Erbitux is not currently FDA approved for initial treatment of colon cancer, and insurers could balk at paying for earlier Erbitux use.

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She is said to have held out for such a high fee in hopes that the studio would balk and go away.

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