I also agree that Turnbull would be better for
the country - but not necessarily for the Liberal
Party. And that could be his downfall.

Costello, on the other hand - will be good for the
Liberal Party, in the sense that he adheres to the
conservative way of thinking - which is not necessarily
good for the country.

Costello however would unite the party, but his policies
would alienate the working people, pensioners, and
students, who constitute the majority of the population.

In today's economic climate we have to learn to help one
another and not rely on the individual sustaining himself,
which is the policy of the Liberal Party.

The constant evasion by Costello of his future course only
confirms a deviate approach to politics and can this man
really be trusted to run the country - or in the political
arena is he the best man for the Liberal Party?

"Well may we say that John Howard lost the plot, but will
Costello save the Party?"

Yes, you just have to wonder how much longer the Australian political scene is to be graced with Peter Costello's smirking presence. Naked ambition in an ideological sense is what I see as keeping him where he is. I don't think he'd ever want a private sector position, no matter how lucrative, while ever there's still a slim chance he can grab the top job and implement his longheld policy agenda.

I agree with Sancho's reference to the H.R.Nicholls Society. This group and other conservative power brokers are far from happy about the reins of power within the party being handed over to a moderate like Turnbull. They're keeping their man ready for the time Turnbull goes too far for them on issues like the environment, the Republic and any possible winding back of various Howard positions. The moment that occurs you can bet we'll have journalists asking Costello for the umpteenth time about his future plans.

Pelican, you may have seen a side to him that I haven't, but I definitely don't share your flattering view of Joe Hockey. From what I've seen of him, I'd describe him as a first class macho bully boy, far more competent in the art of bluster and intimidation than in any true grasp of policy or in any genuine concern for fairness and decency.

You're spot on with the 'motley crew' description though. The only ones I've noticed from that bunch that genuinely cared about fairness are Petro Georgiou and Judith Troeth, both of whom have since departed I think or are about to, and neither of whom were ever very high within the Liberal hierarchy anyway.

"In today's economic climate we have to learn to help one
another and not rely on the individual sustaining himself,
which is the policy of the Liberal Party."

Very true, Foxy

Bronwyn I agree with every word in your post.
Shaz you and I will never agree.
Yes, say it like it is extremist unions went too far, but well matched by Howard's rubbish he called workchoices.
It is forever my view workchoices awoke the union movement, that while we suffer from some past events the future looks great.
Costello, and the H R Nichols society for that matter must confront the fact the world has changed direction.
Not just America or Australia the crisis took the legs out from under such right wing lost soles.
Turnbull, if let run his own race could win the second more likely third election from now.
Costello could not win a raffle if he bought all the tickets.
I am pleased to tickle conservative voters, but not kidding the next two elections appear in the bag for Labor.

Dear Bronwyn,

I too fully agree with your post.

Dear Belly,

Fingers crossed!

Bronwyn I should have said Hockey was the best of a bad bunch but I don't see him as a bully boy. While it is personally fun to see the Coalition in disarray, in the interest of democracy we really do need some semblance of an intelligent and functioning opposition.

Foxy and Sancho, I remember a time when the Liberal Party was not so right wing. In the 70s the Liberals really did represent small business (as opposed to the pockets of the big end of town) and they did not sell off public assets (neither did the ALP). Even under the Libs during that time we were closer to the ideal of social democracy.

Dear Pelican,

I agree that we need a strong Opposition.

But whether we'll get it is another story.

It would be great if the Liberal Party allowed
Turnbull to have more of a say in its direction.
I'm a bit wary of them wanting to stick to the old
Howard policies of people either sinking or swimming,
and if they sink, well that's too bad, (because welfare
is not good for business).

I'm concerned about social welfare, public health,
education, I believe in the right of working people
being able to protect their livelihoods, so for
me "Workchoices" is not an option I'd vote for.

If Peter Costello was the Liberal Party Leader - would
he really change things for the better? Somehow I doubt it.
To me Turnbull, given a chance by his Party - is a better
option out of the two.