A friend just sent me an email of an article
written by Ben Eltham which I thought may be of
interest. It reflects the general consensus of
feelings being currently expressed in the media:

"To say that Prince Philip is rather low on the
list of Australian popular heroes is a bit like
saying Islamic State has an image problem. For
most Australians Prince Philip is an obscure royal
known only for his exceptionally fortunate choice
of life partner and a tendency for embarrassing
gaffes. And the newest recipient of the newly
re-created Knighthood of Australia is not even an
Australian..."

"Nothing could better exemplify Mr Abbott's 1950s
mentality and his increasingly tenous grasp of the
concerns and interests of modern Australia."

Mr Abbott claims that "It is fitting that we pay tribute
to an extra-ordinary life of service."

"It seems all the more out of touch when we consider that
this "service" was largely as the husband of the
figurehead of a disintegrating empire."

It will be interesting to see what happens next.

Foxy,

"It will be interesting to see what happens next."

Here's what Peter van Onselen just tweeted...

"Based on chats with Libs this AM, for the 1st time (& i can't believe i'm saying this) I now don't think PM can make it to the next election"

Dear Poirot,

Yes that is interesting - and not surprising.
No political Party is going to take the risk
of losing an election if they see that their
leader's star is descending. The writing is
on the wall. Julie Bishop please step up!

Poirot, I agree that Abbott may not make it to the next election as leader, but I doubt that Bishop will be the next Liberal leader, given the male-heavy top end of the party.

I feel she was the token female at the start, put there to show that Abbott really isn't a misogynist, although she has proved herself as a reasonable foreign minister.

I think she would make a better leader than Abbott by far, but she won't get the job.

Suse,

Not so sure...she popped in for a chat with Rupie on the way to Afghanistan apparently.

Rupie also tweeted his displeasure at Abbott's "stoopid" decision.

Julie's been photo-shopped and featured muchly of late - she's the Murdoch-captain's-pick IMO

Tony, please don't go, we need you here for the next election. You are doing "TOO GOOD" a job, please stay!