Good point on the French revolution, David. The reason a third of Australia does not speak French like a third of Canada is that the revolution amounted to a very destructive distraction at a critical point in history. Probably all the better for us, though.

I think we should fix this republican problem by inviting the rightful King of England, Mr Michael Hastings of Jerilderee, to reform our own Monarchy. What better symbol of Australian life than a man who came as a migrant, of modest circumstances, and found his own place in the sun. This would maintain the position of the institution of the crown, involve no variation in powers, but also make one of our own as head of state. He could maintain his ordinary life in Jerilderee, continue the traditions of appointing Governors General and all the conventions that come with it.

No one could say he was not the legitimate ruler, and no one could say he was not a true Australian head of state. And we can all get back to work on the real problems that need to be addressed. Who, indeed, could not enjoy the delicious irony of it all?

So let me get this right Perseus, you want to CHOOSE your Head of State..?
Where I come from, that's called something else, beginning with 'R'

Well done David you have coninced me that we should not have the French model for a republic.

What we need is the American model.

David Flint (Online Opinion. 29th November) continues preaching in support of the redundant Monarchy. Like King Canute who was unable to stop the tide. One notes Flint gives his qualifications as ‘former Chairman of the Australian Press Council and the Australian Broadcasting Authority.’ Why ‘former?’
His selective review of History is designed to cover only those efforts which have resulted in, what Flint would call “Failures.’ It would be just as easy to select items which show that various Republics have been very successful and have been able to make much progress having thrown off the Colonial yoke.
It is clear that Flint is desperately flogging a dead horse and finds problems in locating anything that really supports the monarchy. Would he support the possibility that Charlie Windsor is next in line to be our Head of State? Most Australians find Charlie a laughing stock by his actions and pronouncements, and quite unfit for the office. Yet we, at present, have no option but to take what we are given and accept one who has no qualifications for the position other than accident of birth.
Australians have for a long time labored under the Colonial yoke and now seek to stand up and be counted as a Free and Independent Republic with a Head of State of our own choosing. A majority of former Colonies have taken the step and become Republics and more are following. Australia will surely follow this trend in the interests of freedom and standing on our own feet. The English Government has been taking steps along this path for years. The decision during the war to abandon Australia to the Japanese, the removal of our rights as ‘British’ Citizens, the denial of UK Pensions to British citizens who migrate to Australia. The list goes on and on and even Prince Charles (senior) said we were bloody fools to have rejected the last referendum.
Flint and his ‘dead horse’ monarchy will soon be history and King Canute Flint will not hold back our progress.

David Gothard 113 Arthur St, Fairfield. Vic 3078 039481047

A republic would do absolutely nothing positive for Australia. Pro-republicans merely want to replace something they cannot control with something they think they might be able to control.

Flint said: "Poverty was worsening, the ghettos were becoming even more alienated and the right-wing, anti-immigration political party the Front National was gaining momentum". Sure. Sounds like a reason for people to be disaffected... but not for rejecting the concept of a Republic. France is right, I think, to be proud of its revolution. It showed there was no 'divine right of kings', and fighting for Liberty, Fraternity and Equality are are better than fighting for the glory of the King.

I fail to see that Australia going down the Republic path would lead to the fire and brimstone future that Flint seems to imagine. Many countries have republics, many have monarchies, but there seems to be little difference in their chances of social/poliical sucess.