Joe Hockey for PM

[Timmy]

Abbott is already being referred to as the Libs' Mark Latham...

 

[It's Snake Pliskin]

Installing Joe Hockey as Liberal leader looks like it could well be an intelligent move. He has the similar moderate policies as Mr Turnbull, which is not going to scare the electorate (installing a fundamentalist - I mean that in non-religous sense - like Abbott would most likely be very damaging to the party, Australians tend not to like radicals as leaders). But he comes without the crash-through or crash, abrasive, approach that has seemed to characterise Mr Turnbull's leadership style.

Allowing a conscience vote on the ETS is very sensible indeed, it should see Liberal parliamentarians being able to vote for an ETS that has been hammered out by themselves in consultation with the government, an ETS that seems to be accepted by moderates as a good solution (The Australian newspaper ran an editorial supporting the ETS: A good deal, so cool the hot air..."But the bill, as amended after five weeks' intense negotiations with the Coalition, is as good a deal for business and farmers as they are likely to get").

In the bigger picture, Hockey is a likeable person (I don't think Turnbull could ever be described as likeable), he should be a good alternative in the minds of the electorate to Mr Rudd.

I disagree with your comments Timmy. I agree with Mr Abbott on the point that it is not a vote on conscience it is a vote on policy. Whether he is likable or not is not important when the policy direction is what the public are supporting.

To use words like fundamentalist and radical is harsh and would also describe the populace that supports him. The anti ETS vote is bigger than the support for it.

 

[Timmy]

To use words like fundamentalist and radical is harsh

The truth is a bit harsh sometimes, yes.

And you're a bit late Snake ... Hockey's run is over for now. But easier to comment in hindsight, right?

 

[It's Snake Pliskin]

The truth is a bit harsh sometimes, yes.

No it is misleading.

 

[Timmy]

No it is misleading.

The truth is misleading? Go figure

 

[drsmith]

Joe Hockey must now be wondering what the day would have delivered had he gone down the route of a party room secret ballot on the ETS upon becoming leader instead of a senate conscience vote.

 

[Julia]

Joe Hockey must now be wondering what the day would have delivered had he gone down the route of a party room secret ballot on the ETS upon becoming leader instead of a senate conscience vote.

I think it was more the other way around, i.e. his declaration prior to the ballot between himself, Turnbull and Abbott that if elected he would allow a conscience vote. I believe that weak and indecisive stand would have lost him a lot of respect.

 

[frankie_boy]

i have Bumped this thread.. cause sheesh.. people are talking about Gills for PM... everyone needs a backup.. even Mr Abbot...