A wonderfully and lucidly argued article; Mr Nicholas Tam is spot on that the National Party possess a good combination of socially conservative values based on individual responsibility, individual freedom yet melded together with Christian virtues of charity and understanding. Critics might sneer at such a mix, but I think Gippsland shows that the spin of Rudd is not sticking with voters; people want actual policies not the proverbial puke of politicans with a penchant for political office.

Indeed, I think another conservative sums it up when talking about the National Party: you ain't seen nothing yet!

The swing against the nationals was 8.76% the swing against labor was 8.14% plus 6.13% who voted at the general election did not bother to vote at the by election.

Examine the tea leaves all you like - but Gippsland was a shocker for the Nats.