Bazz, people only want to see what they want to see.

The Prime Minister could not support the 'removal' of the Speaker given the case is being determined by the Federal Court.

Otherwise it would be seen to be prejudicial and any subsequent judgement could be appealed, not a good look for anyone - don't you think?

The leader of the Opposition knew this but still sought the Speaker's sacking, preferring to play the cards in front of a 'dumbed-down' electorate.

The Government, some in the Opposition (privately at least) and particularly a couple of Independents, saw the conundrum. Slipper, after being privately approached, did the right thing by resigning - everybody acknowledges this.

Yet some want to spin it out of orbit, why?

Bazz,
kerr was not the GG I was thinking of, it was Peter Hollingsworth,I think. He was hounded out of office by Labor and the Left. I don't recall who the Tassie governor was.

The point is that they cast the high office in illrepute.

The Speaker had to go for the same reason.

Apparently Roxon knew about the texts weeks ago, so the government could have confronted him and requested his resignation and thus avoided the situation of them having to defend the sleaze bag.

The government sold any principle they still may have had, for power.

Pop GOS THE WEASEL.
Yes good thread title.
He has popped out.
Gone to Bali with the PM.
Shame Howard will not make a comeback, will he?

Belly,

I didn't realise that Whine Swan was going too?

I noticed that All these Labor hypocrites only came out to condemn the sexist comments at the union meeting at which nearly all the cabinet ministers were present, after they became public.

I also noticed that Rudd was critical of Juliar's handling of the Slipper issue. Maybe he also has a problem with women?

No Bonmot, they could simply asked/told Slipper to resign without
stating why publically.
I am not sure it would matter anyway because the details were a matter
of court record and uncontested.

As we now know the government knew weeks ago, it would have been easy
to handle. Slipper could easily have said he was resigning because
he thinks the speaker should be involved in such a court case.

Was that the full extent of the texts, not emails, or just what the media wanted to publish.
Texts are personal messages, emails can be seen by anybody.
The judge has reserved his decision, till when.
Why was the evidence released before a court decision.