failure of xfsm-shutdown-helper

[PETER EASTHOPE <peasthope@shaw.ca>]

Folk,

Until an about two weeks ago, the shutdown helper has allowed 
me to shut this system down from the xfce GUI.  Now I can only 
logout to the CLUI.  This message is left by X.

xfsm-shutdown-helper.c:134: Failed to contact HAL: A security policy ...

hal is installed.  sudo is installed.  What security policy?  I haven't 
changed any policy deliberately.  Has another obscure package 
weaseled its way in to cause trouble?  Has anyone else seen this?  

Any ideas?

Thanks,            ... Peter E.

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