ALL'S fair in love and war but in politics sometimes things veer into a shadier territory.

Whether the former premier Kristina Keneally went too far yesterday in jibing the present Premier about the break-up of his first marriage was up for debate, but it confirmed one thing - there would be no first day civilities or Valentine's Day warmth in NSW Parliament.

Red rag ... Kristina Keneally struts to the lectern. Credit:Edwina Pickles

The Speaker, Shelley Hancock, began the first question time of the year with a dry observation about the ''love in the room''.

Quickly both sides of politics were trying to show off the size of their hearts.