The issue here is not about how or who shot down the MH plane, but what our illustrious PM ranted about on national TV.

Abbott and his mouth are an embarrassment to this nation.
Saying he wants to 'shirtfront' anyone is the sign of an aggressive idiot, not a PM.

I wouldn't mind betting that when he does meet Vlad, he will um and ah his way through a conversation, and trot 10 paces behind him as they walk through the venue.

Suse,

"Abbott and his mouth are an embarrassment to this nation.
Saying he wants to 'shirtfront' anyone is the sign of an aggressive idiot, not a PM."

Ain't that the truth!

Regarding the Prime Minister's wayward mouth, and notwithstanding the horror of this incident - which appears to be a case of an aircraft being mistakenly targeted in a war zone - Mr Abbott's repeated references in the early days of "remains" being affected by the heat and eaten by animals were extremely ill-thought and painful to the families of those lost.

The "shirtfront" comment was solely for domestic consumption - and it appears there are quite a few who like that sort of banter and believe it's appropriate for international dialogue between nations.

I've never seen anything approaching an "Abbott" in Oz politics. He's a man of limited class who exudes a thuggish and brazen demeanour. His greatest tool is the thirty second soundbite, employed to appeal to the basest of values, but packaged in a way that celebrates humanitarian ethos.

A shifty, opportunistic and inarticulate fellow at the best of times.

Surely the Liberal govt can offer someone more suitable?

AMID .....You got what you deserved electorate.

What other choice do you suggest we had, given the mess the labor/green alliance created?

As for all those who oppose Abbotts actions, just remember it's been many years since we've had a leader who displays real leadership. I know, it's unusual!

He told coke to go jump, and they did. He told the welfare sucking car industry that the free ride was over, so they are going and most importantly, he told the Australian people that he would stop the boats, and he did!

I know it must hurt.

What is clear ever since this mob came to power is their lack of ability through inexperience and blind ideology in dealing with international affairs. Abbott as the ring master in this circus is seen by many as the number one clown. As late as yesterday Abbott was backing away from his "shirt-front" comment and was refusing to repeat the words "I'm going to shirt-front Mr Putin - you bet I am." Yesterday those strong words had already be toned down by Tone to "I am going to have a very robust conversation." By the time Putin get here it might be something even softer if its anything at all. We'll have to wait and see.

Three points --- 1..Tony Abbott is a security risk to Australia. 2..If Ford supply a car to a motorist, and that motorist kills someone with that car, does that mean Ford is guilty of murder? 3..The post written by Graham Y concerns me, as it shows a propensity for censorship based on ideological/political grounds. I didn't realise he was like that, and I don't wish to be associated with anything operated by that type of person. I believe in free speech. I'll now resign my membership.

Paul, have you even said something a the heat of the moment, then thought, hang on, that may be a bit harsh. Well, guess what, if you say no, chances are you're a liar, but if you have, then why can't Tony Abbott be afforded the same rights?

Besides, Tony Abbott is no doubt sharing the frustration by, and showing sympathy for those who have lost loved ones in that tragic event that Russia was involved in. Why wouldn't our leader put the Russian leader on notice that there are serious issues that need to be discussed.