I think far better than a media talking head for Head of State would be to complete the step that Canada half-took. Adrienne Clarkson's husband is the deservedly celebrated novelist, essayist, speaker and activist John Ralston Saul. He used his time as Crown Consort to speak on various national, social and historical themes, with more originality and erudition than can possibly be expected from most people who have spent their career inside the bubble of the mainstream-media.

I think Saul's friend, Brisbane novelist David Malouf, would be a good Australian start with this particular tradition - the two have conducted joint seminars before on national identity, history and art. Geoffrey Blainey would be another excellent pick. As would Robert Manne.

Instead of giving current affairs hosts more airtime and buttressing the TV values of amiability and 'accessibility', we can promote cultural knowledge and excellence with more distinguished achievers.

How could any opinion piece about Michaëlle Jean not mention her sympathies with Quebec separatists, who seek the breakup of Canada? She's a very controversial appointment.

This is just sloppy.

Just what we need - a celebrity GG appointed on the basis of appearance to put a 'modern spin' on the position. Perhaps the Canadians might like to emulate one of our most successful and admired GGs of late - Sir William Deane.

The G.G. I would like to see would be a combination of Deane and Cohen. Is there such a creature?