You express most eloquently what I have on my heart also

Cue the nitpicking apologists resorting to the lawyerly response of 'but it's the Westminster system!'

True, perhaps, but that is seeking refuge in the letter of the law, not the spirit of democracy.

As a feminist, I am still a little worried that Julia Gillard might turn out to be the ALP's Maggie Thatcher.

Given that the polling has advanced considerably, and accurately reflect how voters would react, there is hardly a better tool.

Rudd had faced a steady decline over the last 6 months. It did not take a rocket scientist to realise that by polling day labor would be routed unless something changed.

I don't think you got that quite right Jolyon. Gillard is no Maggie Thatcher.

However, by the look of that smug self satisfied smile she has been able to get off her face, I think she is actually the ALPs Costello.

I think all recent PMs (and Opposition leaders) have had to be media performers and are all out to win public popularity awards.

After all, it is one of the questions that are constantly polled.

Despite all the recent furor it should be remembered that during the last couple of terms of the Howard government there was open and constant discussion about "handing over" to Peter Costello. This was to boost perceived waning popularity - nothing else. It would also mean declaring the leadership vacant and Howard stepping aside. Except for the instigators it sounds familar.

A few weeks ago I saw a TV grab of Tony Abbott telling Andrew Bolt (as he left Steve Price's studio) that "If Rudd wins the election he'll last about 3 months". This suggests that at least Abbott expected Rudd to be dumped while still in office.

So where was the mock outrage and indignation about changing elected leaders then?

Changing opposition leaders is the same thing - it's all about perception.

Perhaps it would be better if the current Logie winner gets to be PM for the following 12 months or if we elect them on the basis of some sort of Talent show with judges and phone-in polls.

It seems to be what captivates the public these days so it's not surprising that politicians have to play that game.

Alan,stop playing with political emotions.You know full well that the country was going to hell under Rudd. If you were ever in a position of next in power please dont tell me you would refuse to take it on because the spoiler should be allowed to do his worst and put the country in a greater parlous state. You remind me of the man who saw a house on fire and preferred to wring his hand than take control if it was given to him to put the fire out. Hyprocrisy is of no use to any one in these calamitious days. Go play charades somewhere else.
We need to give the incumbent a chance. There'll be plenty of time for scraggers like you to do what you do best later on.First let her fail if fail she must but let us judge her objectively. In the mean time zip up.

socratease