  Magnetars are modelled as sources that derive their output from magnetic
energy that substantially exceeds their rotational energy. An implication of
the recent polarization measurement of GRB 021206 is that the emission
mechanism may be dominated by a magnetic field that originates in the central
engine. Similarities in the temporal properties of SGRs and GRBs are considered
in light of the fact that the central engine in GRBs may be magnetically
dominated. The results show that 1) the time intervals between outbursts in SRG
1806-20 and pulses in GRBs are consistent with lognormal distributions and 2)
the cumulative outputs of SGRs and GRBs increase linearly with time. This
behaviour can be successfully modelled by a relaxation system that maintains a
steady state situation.
