For a few weeks in the years 1939 and 1941 and again over the mid-summer weeks of 1967-68 the most senior conservative politician in Australia was the leader of the Country Party. So, with the Coalition facing possible defeat, who is the ranking conservative politician in Australia?
Menzies
Abjorensen: Howard trips down memory lane
For a campaign that describes itself as focused on the future, yesterday’s Coalition launch was a merry trip down the political lane of pure sepia nostalgia, writes Norman Abjorensen.
Abjorensen: Menzies would never have praised Pratt
The late Bob Menzies knew a thing or two about Australia and Australians that his acolyte John Howard does not. We do not, as a rule, like bosses. And for good reason, writes Norman Abjorensen.
Mackerras: 1 December is the day…
My prediction for the election date is Saturday 1 December and here is my reasoning, writes Malcolm Mackerras.
Abjorensen: Howard the backbencher would make history
The script written by John Howard envisages him holding his seat, the government winning the election and him standing aside some time thereafter in favour of Peter Costello, presumably retiring to the backbench as he has told his electorate that if re-elected he will stay the full term. That script, if realised, would make history.
Election 2007: a Don’s Party re-run
The coming 2007 election is being viewed, with some justification, as a rerun of the Don’s Party election of 1969. (That is, almost there for Labor, but not quite), writes Norman Abjorensen.
