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Abbott has the strength and will to go the distance

Malcolm Farr

by Malcolm Farr

05 Apr 05:40am

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Filed under: Cycling, Politics, Pollie Pedal, Tony Abbott, Tony Windsor

174 comments

Today Tony Abbott leads his platoon of pedallers into Armidale in northern NSW, and onto what some see as a calculated ambush of the local federal member, independent Tony Windsor.

He's confident in his Lycra pants. Pic: Kym Smith

This is his Pollie Pedal, the two-wheeled cavalcade of middle-aged men and a few women in bicycle-fetish garb which has become part of Abbott’s annual state-of-the-nation tour.

Well, part of the nation, anyway. The bits you can cycle on the east coast, at least.

It is a singular mode of political contact, sweeping past country people on the road, sometimes slowly enough for a wave and a chat on the run, and then staying in country pubs over night. Unlike most of us, these chaps can have one or more guilt-free beers after a day of hill climbs.

And always part of the program is the political vector. Every day has a press conference included, and usually a couple of radio interviews.

However, as well as the political, there is a strong social element to the group - like a rugby club with spokes.

Dinners can include awards for good or not-so-good activities and there is a clear feeling that an institution is being fashioned and prolonged on the road.

And there are men and women who keep coming back for the fun and the muscle strain.

The fascinating feature of Tony Abbott’s own role in this annual cycling marathon is that technically he isn’t a particularly skilled rider. I was told that by experts who rode with him last year.

Those who know the style needed for a really good distance performer say Tony doesn’t have it.

But he does have a huge intensity of commitment. Strength and will are his overwhelming assets, and these he has by the pannier bag.

It is his annual test as a leader, someone who can launch out to the front of the pack of riders, and can also slip back to accompany the less fleet of wheel.

Liberal MP Stuart Robert put it this way on Twitter on Sunday: “Arrived at Grafton at 3pm after 6 hrs, though only 5 hrs on the bike, rode with Abbott who kindly rode my speed, that’s leadership.”

And further: “Even when I fell behind on the bike, Abbott slowed the group to pick me up. For Tony, it’s all about the team, I saw this in action.”

It’s enough to make your Lycra bunch up.

The tour is a well-planned and executed program and to some has an almost military precision: The Opposition Leader will swing through here, and here, and hit the enemy with a press conference here.

But if Abbott is today intent on ambushing Windsor - who supported the Gillard minority government - on his home turf of New England, he has made the big mistake of surrendering the element of surprise.

“I won’t be here. I’ve got this sustainable communities meeting in Narrabri,” said Tony Windsor, totally unbothered by the Pollie Pedal visit.

“When (Tony Abbott) knew he was coming about six weeks ago, he told me he was coming. No, no. He’s very welcome. We might have a disagreement on a few things but he was very good on the medical school here (when he was Health Minister).”

Abbott never stops being Opposition Leader when he rides the hundreds of kilometres with the band of chaffed-thigh Liberal rollers, but he doesn’t use visits for cheap shots at local communities of members.

It’s about meeting people, and about “the team”.

Most commented

353"Gifting", "journey" and other words we hate
309Thomson didn't answer the question everyone is asking
248Australia, you have nothing to fear but fear itself
246A big day for Thomson, who thus far is guilty of nothing...
242They must pay for one's bitter disappointments
230South Australia. It's the middle bottom bit.
230Craig Thomson speaks. Meanwhile, in Australia...
224The most laughable, err, spoof since Einfeld

174 comments

Show oldest | newest first

    • Andrew says:

      05:50am | 05/04/11

      A not so bad article about Abbott. This must be a first! I was waiting while reading, to come to where you and others normally would stick the boot into him at the end.

      Reply

    • Knemon says:

      06:54am | 05/04/11

      @ Andrew - I assume you mean because it’s not bashing him as he deserves - otherwise the article said nothing. It was scary how close Mark Latham came to being PM, in Abbott’s case it was terrifying.

      Peddling more negative rhetoric, causing more division in the community, this guy is eight decades after his time, the 1930’s would have suited Abbott just fine, especially in Germany with Eric Abetz’s great uncle.

      I’m so sick of his childish antics, which business is he going to interrupt today with his pathetic theatrics?, why doesn’t he start acting like a leader in waiting? - because’ he isn’t capable.

      He was in government for nearly 12 years and achieved what? - Nothing, apart from wrecking every portfolio he ever touched. While this man is the leader of the LNP they will never win government, it’s time the LNP realised this and replace him with someone who at least has a heart.

    • Michael says:

      07:30am | 05/04/11

      Knemon - mate your in the minority with that sort of view. Most Australians prefer a Coalition Government,. 2 party preferred and primary is proof enough. And you reckon LNP will not win Government with Abbott as Leader? Really? You are very wrong. If an election were held today he would be Prime Minister and his chances are trending upwards while Gillards are trending downwards.

    • Barry says:

      07:36am | 05/04/11

      @Knemon
      Goodwin would be proud.  Why do people make such idiotic comparisons?  Do you really think anyone takes you seriously?  Yes! You are so right Knemon!  Abbott definitely would have fitted in well with members of the SS, because he loves killing Jews!  You want to talk about childish?  How about coming up with intelligent arguments, rather than comparing a politician whose opinions differ to yours with people who are responsible for the murder of millions of people.  It’s even more stupid than the Julia/Gaddafi comparison.  It’s not only immature and childish, it is also disrespectful to the people who died in that time.  This is one of the reasons Goodwin created the law.  To draw attention to moronic invalid comparisons.

    • Joan says:

      07:50am | 05/04/11

      Knemon;  And who is running the show today?.... backstabber, liar, namecaller,  Gillard. -  Gillard has in less than a year lowered the status of PM to its lowet point ever. The nation is in turmoil wth Gillard as leader- the nation feels uncertain, directionless with Gillard at the helm ... a Labor party that lost its way still looking for a way out going around and around in meaningless circles….with Greens and Independents as navigators.

    • acotrel says:

      08:01am | 05/04/11

      @Knemon
      ‘He was in government for nearly 12 years and achieved what? - Nothing, apart from wrecking every portfolio he ever touched. While this man is the leader of the LNP they will never win government, it’s time the LNP realised this and replace him with someone who at least has a heart.’

      You must be one of those malcontents who cannot recognise talent when you see it?  He almost became PM, doncha know!

    • Muttley says:

      08:45am | 05/04/11

      Lol, he almost became Prime Minister not because everyone liked him, its just the other choice wasnt particularly palatable. Its like O Farrell on a Federal level. Bazza didnt, the other mob lost.

    • Rosie says:

      09:39am | 05/04/11

      Hooray Trues UP Andrew! I was waiting to read the part when Mr Farr would stick the boot into into this man who has only good intentions for the country we all love so much!

      What a fantastic role model for our children, at his age is capable of biking it at a great distance! Congratulations to Tony Abbott!

    • Simon says:

      10:01am | 05/04/11

      @Michael
      Not sure which opinion polls you’re looking at, mate. Have a look at these:
      http://www.newspoll.com.au/cgi-bin/polling/display_poll_data.pl?url_caller=&mode=trend&page=show_polls&question_set_id=1
      Out of the Voting Intention, Two Party Preferred, and Better Prime Minister polls, the ONLY one that the Coalition out-polled labor was Voting Intention, with a total of 40% tot 36%. With those numbers, they would still require support from the Greens and Independents to form a minority Government. Two Party Preferred, Labor up 51/49. Preferred PM, Gillard 50%, Abbott 31%. Those numbers don’t support your landslide theory at all, and comparing to the previous poll you’ll see trending towards the ALP. Go to an election now and we’ll end up with another hung Parliament, still a minority Government (probably Labor), and a hefty bill for the cost of the election process.

    • NicoleG says:

      10:03am | 05/04/11

      I’m sorry Knemon, at least he’s out there listening to what the people want and what he’s doing is for charity. Regardless of what you think, he was extremely welcomed here yesterday. So tell me, what’s Gillard doing? Oh that’s right, she’s busy exchanging blows with Bob Brown and further screwing the country.

      Not long now and you’re going to have Abbott as PM. Suck it up!!

    • Cate P says:

      11:42am | 05/04/11

      Andrew, Abbott might be PM in the next few years, and Malcolm Farr will want to have access for interviews!  Seriously, though, TA was a very good minister in Howard’s govt and if he gets in he will be a stayer.  He is still listening to the voters, a pleasant change.

    • TimB says:

      12:46pm | 05/04/11

      *snigger*

      Simon, get with the times. That poll you’re quoting is 2 weeks old and clearly a rogue.

      Gillard won’t win another term.

    • Knemon says:

      01:00pm | 05/04/11

      Michael @ 07:30am “If an election were held today he would be Prime Minister” - WRONG Michael - Mr 37% has to improve his approval rating before he goes anywhere near the lodge.

      If you can show me one election in Australian history that has elected a PM who went into the election with an approval rating less than that of their opponent - then I will apply to join the Liberal Party.

      As for Barry - I didn’t mention anywhere what you are describing, I was referring to his attitude and personality.

    • bobw says:

      01:01pm | 05/04/11

      TimB:  “Gillard won’t win another term.”

      Precognition must be a wonderful gift.  Can you also read minds?  Bend spoons?  Make balloon animals?

    • nihonin says:

      01:36pm | 05/04/11

      I wouldn’t worry too much fellow Punchers, the Labor rusties need tissues today and they are all just having their own little spats, over the pathetic results in the poll today.  Chin up Labor rusties and keep smiling, it’ll make all the Liberal rusties wonder what you’ve been up too.

      It’ll be a double post, I’ve attached it to Acotrel’s further down the page.  Had to do it as it’s just too much fun watching.

    • Penny says:

      02:14pm | 05/04/11

      Knemon - there’s always a first time. Governments don’t normally knife there own Prime Minister in their first term either. Abbott is headed for the Lodge and can’t wait.

    • TimB says:

      02:33pm | 05/04/11

      No Bobbo, but I can read polls. Would you have been silly enough to ask that question had I predicted thesame thing about Keneally a month ago? Granted the federal situation isn’t quite that bad yet, but….

      Short of a massive political backflip with a half twist AND some sort of unfortunate accident happening to Tony Abbott, Julia is gone next election.

      The carbon tax is killing her slowly. The mining tax & refugee crisis are still giving her headaches. God knows what’s happening with her health deal. The constant love/hate relationship with Bob Brown & sniping from Kevin Rudd aren’t helping. And that’s before you factor in the wildcard that is Wilkie & his anti-gambling crusade.

      It will take a miracle of biblical proportions to deliver her another term. I’ll be the first one here to admit I’m wrong if she manages to pull it off, but I’m confident that she can’t.

    • TimB says:

      03:13pm | 05/04/11

      @ Knemon, better start filling out your application form.

      Newspoll: 30/9/98-1/10/98. Days before the 1998 election.

      Preferred PM ratings:

      John Howard 40%
      Kim Beazley 41%.

      Now I don’t know about you, but in my job 41 is a bigger number than 40. And Howard won the election.

      Too close? Not good enough for you?

      Just prior to the 1996 Election:

      Newspoll: 28/02/96-29/02/96

      Preferred PM ratings:

      John Howard 40%
      Paul Keating 45%.

      Make sure to take a pic of yourself with your Liberal membership card when you recieve it wink

    • bobw says:

      03:40pm | 05/04/11

      @TimB:  Not much of an analogy to be drawn there:  (a) it was obvious that NSW Labor was a dead duck - poll patterns were long-term and unambiguous in terms of both 2PP and preferred Prem.  Hardly the case at federal level; (b) poll data from “a month” out from an election is clearly going to be more predictive of the result than the kind of mid-term data we’re seeing now with respect to Gillard, which is not all that meaningful.

      I agree that Gillard’s performance leaves much to be desired - although probably for different reasons to yours.  But a lot can happen in two years.  Would you have bet your house on Latham becoming PM when he was cleaning up on 2PP in early 2004 - much closer to an election?  Because that’s what “reading polls” would have encouraged.

    • TimB says:

      05:46pm | 05/04/11

      Maybe so Bob, but remember, the poll figures were worse than this for Abbott (and conversly better for Gillard) in the leadup to the last election. And Tony nearly won.

      I’d say it’s looking pretty good for Tony right now. Gillard needs a massive boost and fast.

    • acotrel says:

      05:53pm | 05/04/11

      @Rosie
      ‘Mr Farr would stick the boot into into this man who has only good intentions for the country we all love so much!’

      What makes you so certain?  His rhetoric doesn’y give me that impression!

    • Rosie says:

      09:48am | 06/04/11

      acrotrel

      “What makes you so certain?  His rhetoric doesn’t give me that impression”

      Each to their own and because I live in a democracy I have the freedom of choice. Tony Abbott is not the PM and would like to give him the chance to try for high office! Until I decide otherwise I believe his rhetoric is of an Australian who has only good intentions for the country we all love so much and can knows he can do heaps more if he leads the Coalition into power. Gillard isn’t doing much, so more so for her to be booted out and replaced.

      Come back to me when Tony Abbott is PM and then we can discuss good or bad governance.

    • ZSRenn says:

      06:03am | 05/04/11

      I was caught between the need to re-read the byline and thinking their were elements that showed Mr. Farr wrote this, that perhaps his heart wasn’t in it and that he were disappointed with the result of what he had to write. The conclusion comes all too quick.

      The jabs and punches were in the story. But this was just too positive a story about Tony Abbot that even Mr. Farr had to come away sounding like he was had sung his praise.

      Reply

    • Bris Jack says:

      06:27am | 05/04/11

      In my opinion, after the last pollie pedal it took him weeks to recover and he made some gaffes which I attritube to his bodies state of exhaustion.

      Reply

    • TM says:

      08:51am | 05/04/11

      Opinions are like arse holes, everyone has got one. Just some are bigger and smellier than others!

      You might mean after the Iron Man?

    • Phil says:

      06:30am | 05/04/11

      Anyone who bags Tony Abbott for what he is doing with the pollie pedal is a dog.
      Love or hate the bloke he and fellow polititions have raised much needed monies for various groups via this ride for many years. Tony Abbott makes a committment to do something and he sees it through.
      What is disappointing is that now Abbott is at the helm of the opposition Labor pollies are no longer allowed to participate. That in itself is a great shame, as this was one of those things that brings them together and shows the community that they are human after all.
      Like Andrew above, I was waiting for Mal (I Love Julia/Labor) Farr to have a dig but he didnt, mind you this is probably the only article he could write on Abbott that was positive, such is his left leaning bias.
      Mind you would love to see Big Mal on a bike, would love to race him for Charity round say Centenial Park 10 times on a road bike. (No engines)

      Reply

    • Aitch says:

      10:29am | 05/04/11

      Aww c’mon Phil, it’s become a window-dressing stunt and a chance for Abbott to wank around on his treadly for a week. Every time Abbott gets all macho and fit on us, it’s worth remembering he reckons it’s A-OK to accept tens of thousands of $ in political donations from tobacco companies. I call that a cynical double standard. Sure, Labor does it, too, but this blog is about Abbott.

    • Bruce says:

      11:15am | 05/04/11

      If Tony Abbott was in the labor party he would be every man’s, well educated, athletic mucho aussie christian surfie bloke, who doin’ something for Australia.  BUT he is not, only political hero’s come from the labor party !!

    • Rosie says:

      03:24pm | 05/04/11

      Aitch - You are not happy! Too bad so sad!

      Bruce -  you took the words out of my mouth! Australians have a choice as role models for future generations! Take your pick!

      Tony Abbott, well educate, athletic macho aussie, christian values, surfie bloke, happily married with 3 beautiful well educated daughters and fit as a fiddle, biking long distance to raise money for charity.

      On the other hand Julia Gillard, back stabber, liar, no moral values, looks unfit, blotchy and tired, atheist and living in sin with a once married man with children.

      I know which one I would choose as role model for my kids!

    • acotrel says:

      05:57pm | 05/04/11

      @Rosie
      ‘On the other hand Julia Gillard, back stabber, liar, no moral values, looks unfit, blotchy and tired, atheist and living in sin with a once married man with children.

      I know which one I would choose as role model for my kids! ‘

      Smug as a bug in a Persian rug?

    • Rosie says:

      11:24am | 06/04/11

      Poor acotrel - is that all you can come up with? You will have to say your precious Gillard is a goner.

    • TChong says:

      06:44am | 05/04/11

      Fairfax is trotting out Turnbull again, today. Hes almos become a regular columnist.
      If the movers and shakers at Fairfax have anything to do with it, ,then big Mal is going to be the next leader of the LNP.

      Reply

    • RJB says:

      07:32am | 05/04/11

      That would occur only marginally ahead of a collapse in the Liberal support base.

    • Erick says:

      07:35am | 05/04/11

      That’s because everyone who hates the Coalition wants Turnbull to be its leader. Given the difference in LNP polling with Turnbull and Abbot at its head, the reason for this is obvious.

    • MarK says:

      07:55am | 05/04/11

      “If the movers and shakers at Fairfax have anything to do with it, ,then big Mal is going to be the next leader of the LNP. “

      Which is precisely why he will never be considered seriously for the leadership of the party again.

      So back to Abbott and his exemplary work in the community.

      Julia could use a few k’s on the bike….........just saying.

    • Shortbread says:

      08:11am | 05/04/11

      @MarK,Your saying she’s fat! Might be all that Chardonnay Socialism

    • TimB says:

      08:17am | 05/04/11

      Heheheh. “Movers and shakers at Fairfax”

      You do so make me laugh Chongy.

    • TChong says:

      08:17am | 05/04/11

      M-a-r-k
      As an observer of conservative politics, can you explain the obvios Fairfax spruiking for Turnbull?
      BTW - yes good on Abbott , and anyone else who actively do things for non partisan charities .

    • acotrel says:

      08:58am | 05/04/11

      @ Erick ‘That’s because everyone who hates the Coalition wants Turnbull to be its leader.’
      Perhaps the reason they hate the Coalition lies in the personality of its leader?

    • TimB says:

      09:53am | 05/04/11

      “Perhaps the reason they hate the Coalition lies in the personality of its leader? “

      Nope, wrong.

      You hated the Coalition just as much back when Turnbull was in charge. Only difference was the fact that back then you didn’t see them as a threat. Now you do. And you’ve all got your panties in a twist because of it.

      It’s nothing short of entertaining, I’ll give you that.

    • Duff says:

      09:58am | 05/04/11

      @EricK - I don’t know if that is fair.  I for one would genuinely like to see Turnbull run the NLP and for them to be in power under his leadership.  Honestly.  But I cannot bear the thought of Abbott being PM. 

      It is as Farr implies: Abbott has the heart but not the talent.  He’s a fighter, a fantastic deputy, but should not be leading the team.

    • MarK says:

      11:07am | 05/04/11

      @Chongy

      Farifax are asking for what they want. For what Labor needs.

      They want an AGW sympathiser in control of the conservatives because this is an enormous issue that will be used effectively by Abbott to bash Gillard relentlessly and effectively until the next election or she goes willingly or not.

      You will see what I wrote in the open thread today. After the Rudd admission last night this issue is now beyond saving for Gillard. It was an incredible move by Rudd to be so open about confidential caucus musings but also it was a calculated stab in the back for Gillard.

      The one thing Gillard was clinging to in this whole debate is the differentiation between her party of true AGW believers and the oppositions differing views.

      Rudd has exploded that myth. Yes we all knew Ferguson doesn’t believe in it one iota and Combet is exasperated by the ridiculousness of it all to name two but to finally bell the cat and to make the unequivocal admission that people in Labor wanted to ditch the whole thing has taken any authority away from Gillard on this differentiation she was running.

      We all knew as sensible thinking humans that not all of Labor were AGW zealots but the actual admission of the fact that Labor is not as one on this issue is the political sword that severs all credibility from her on this.

      You must remember she is facing a perfect storm of issues over the next few months

      1.  Mining tax unresolved
      2.  AGW all over the shop and now she is the front person for a party that is clearly divided on the issue
      3.  Increasing boat arrivals and people like Manne even saying her “solution” is hopeless
      4.  Budget deficit going to be worse than imagined and a lack of fiscal discipline to make it right
      5.  Demonisation of everything that is not “centre” alienating the left, the right and those of free minds that inhabit the centre
      6.  East Timor – the final death sentence of the joke is yet to be delivered and that will cause enormous embarrassment and questions when it does
      7.  Health……well what can you say to this on again off again never ending saga of indecision, backflips and lies
      8.  NBN – having just alienated the 14 builders that tendered for the first part project by calling them rip off merchants the whole projects costings must now be called into question. Do they really think bullying will get the job done cheaper? Or are they going to go with cheap and shoddy to get a political outcome? Gawd………..
      9.  The polls. Regardless of what you say a primary vote of 32% is a disaster. And votes are not leaking to the left they are leaking to the right. This cannot be tolerated for too long lest the damage be irreparable such as in NSW. Kennealy was at least sort of popular…Gillards popularity is trending onto desperate trouble.

      So of course Fairfax is spruiking for a leadership change. Of course Windsor is saying he can deal with Turnbull. Of course Oakeshott is telling lies in the local Port Macquarie paper about what he said to a journo and was immediately called out by the journo.

      They need a change of leadership in the liberals to avert attention from their own mess.

      If Abbott is so toxic as people suggest call an election. I am struggling to recall when Turnbull was in front 55-45% 2PP though and they didn’t go then.

      Abbott took the party on when the msm and professional political writers, much to their embarrassment no doubt, were calling for a three term minimum from Rudd and the death of the Liberals as a party.

      This turned into a hung parliament backed by two ex National party haters that will be caned at the next election even if they stand which I suspect Oakeshott will not now anyway.

      And Abbott should not lead the party?

      He has the scalp of one PM hanging on the wall. He has the scalp of a second, a nice died red one, in his sights. Doing OK from where I stand.

      Oh one last point.

      The other wild card in the deck is Wilke. If Gillard cannot push his pokies reform through he is adamant he will walk away from Labor. Gillard to satisfy this wish will have to go to war with the pubs and clubs.

      Good luck with all that. Managing all of that would be hard for anyone of competence. To a person that can’t get a school hall built on budget or some batts put safely in a roof well…….you be the judge.

      The call for change to Turnbull is a desperate call for a diversion to Labors woes. Conservatives actually want a conservative to lead the conservative party though.

      Not too much to ask is it?

    • Ben21 says:

      11:34am | 05/04/11

      Great Post, Mark.

    • Cate P says:

      12:04pm | 05/04/11

      Ha ha, TimB the Fairfax movers and shakers are shaking anyway, if not moving ...  MarK, always great, always nails it.  Please don’t make remarks about Julia’s body habitus, its unnecessary in light of her terrible performance as PM which is what really matters.

    • Ben81 says:

      01:23pm | 05/04/11

      I’ve said it before, the almost inevitable mention of Turnbull by those who are desperate for chaos in the Liberal party is becoming the new godwin in Aus political discussion.  You can be pretty sure than whenever someone brings him up it’s because they have nothing left to say and are at best looking for a distraction.

    • MarK says:

      01:31pm | 05/04/11

      Cate - we could all use a few k’s on a bike smile - me included.

      It wasn’t so much about her body shape but a fit athletically minded poliie is a welcome change from the usual drab grey suit brigade or the power drinkers from the past.

    • Jim says:

      01:32pm | 05/04/11

      Great post MarK…just a shame our political correspondents in the msm will never report it like that *glares at David Speers*

    • acotrel says:

      06:04pm | 05/04/11

      @Duff
      It doesn’t really matter who leads the LNP.  They’ll still all be firmly under control of the faceless backroom boys.  You know who I mean - the ones who work out which disadvantaged group to bash in the coming week! When Turnbull lead the party a while back he became the same strain of opportunistic cynical arsehole! Nobody is immune, however intrinsically decent.

    • acotrel says:

      06:09pm | 05/04/11

      @TimB
      ‘You hated the Coalition just as much back when Turnbull was in charge. Only difference was the fact that back then you didn’t see them as a threat. ’
      Yes - I see Abbott as a threat! -  A threat to democracy. He is too dangerous to have as PM.

    • DJ says:

      07:20am | 05/04/11

      Good God Farr ..... you must have been choking on your cornflakes this morning writing this article. Nevertheless, you had to take a few cheap shots re the lycra and bicycle fetish garb etc. I’ll bet he gets a rousing reception in the New England. The electorate Windsor so badly let down.

      Reply

    • acotrel says:

      07:44am | 05/04/11

      ‘Peddling more negative rhetoric, causing more division in the community, this guy is eight decades after his time, the 1930’s would have suited Abbott just fine, especially in Germany with Eric Abetz’s great uncle.’

      Haven’t you heard of Godwin’s Law?  It’s not permitted to mention Nazis and our conservatives in the same paragraph!  (I wonder how the next holocaust is coming along?)

      Reply

    • TimB says:

      08:09am | 05/04/11

      Why don’t you ask the Greens? Lee Rhiannon and Fiona Byrne will be happy to fill you in on all their plans.

    • Barry says:

      08:26am | 05/04/11

      Yes, acotrel it is good to see you are finally seeing sense.  Nazi comparisons should not be made with politicians, because they are generally cheap and completely invalid arguments, such as Knemons.  Again, “I wonder how the next holocaust is coming along” is an idiotic comment with no real relevance whatsoever that only disrespects those who died in the Holocaust.  You are free though to make these comparisons if you really want.  Most people view the people that make such invalid comparisons as idiots, but in your case I don’t think there are many people on the punch who don’t already think you are an idiot so just go for it!

    • GB says:

      08:34am | 05/04/11

      That was particularly weak Acotrel. Even for you. Keep pushing this Nazi line with your friends Knemon, Steve Smith, Christian Real, Persephone etc. though. It seems to be working a real treat.

    • Govt@FauxCitizen says:

      09:13am | 05/04/11

      Well well look who just got their poridge pissed apon, your great white hope in Malcolm Farr finally had some positives to say about Abbott, shock horror, but while you are out comparing Abbott to hitler &co;, don’t forget that your RED headed heroin darling admires and aspires to the communist model wich saw lenin, stalin And mao tse tung comit murderous atrocities on a barbaric scale that makes hitler look like a saint. She probably even secretly admires that North Korean family, Wots their name ILL.

    • nihonin says:

      01:33pm | 05/04/11

      I wouldn’t worry to much fellow Punchers, the Labor rusties need tissues today and they are all just having their own little spats, over the pathetic results in the poll today.  Chin up Labor rusties and keep smiling, it’ll make all the Liberal rusties wonder what you’ve been up too.

    • acotrel says:

      06:16pm | 05/04/11

      @Govt@FauxCitizen
      ’ The ‘commie’ slur is passe, even for catholics.  The cold war is over, and Mr B.A.Santamaria and Doc Mannix are long dead! Nobody would ever really believe Gillard subscribes to communist ideology.  On the other hand , about Nazi tendencies amongst Lib pollies .......?

    • Govt@FauxCitizen says:

      11:42pm | 05/04/11

      @acotrel, Au Contraire, passe to you and your ilk who beleive nanny Gillard’s every word as your own mothers’,but while you were busy trolling, I googled Gillard Communist, OOPS, and up pops the whole delerious heady past and her Fabian ambitions, along with Ross Ganaut being guest speaker at the Fabians Victorian annual dinner Aug.18th 2011 no less, yep the same impartial Garnaut paid a small fortune for his stooge services to deliver the LaboUr message again on pro cabon tax, of course I Googled Abbott nazi, surprise surprise surprise, it’s only LaboUr bootlickers accusing Abbott of being Gobellian and NO membership to the nazi party EVER,  You should really leave the Chardonnay until after you post !!!

    • Ian says:

      07:55am | 05/04/11

      Turnbull needs to return and lead the LNP, he is the voice of moderation foor the LNP and appeals to the mainstream.

      Reply

    • acotrel says:

      08:08am | 05/04/11

      @Ian It’s not moderation the Liberal Party need’s.  Good God man!  Were in opposition, and it’s a crisis!  We need to reclaim our birthright, and Abbott’s the man to lead us to Utopia!

    • TimB says:

      08:22am | 05/04/11

      Is that why the Liberals vote is far higher under Tony than it ever was under Malcom?

      Seriously, some of the lefties here need to understand that the definition of “mainstream” is not what they personally believe.

      Seriously the constant screaming from the Left for Turnbull to take over is hilarious. Why? You aren’t going to vote Liberal anyway.

      The more times I see Turnbulls name get floated the more I know how badly Tony is getting to you guys. You all know that barring a miracle he’s going to win the next election, and it’s driving you all crazy.

      Too funny.

    • Peter says:

      08:45am | 05/04/11

      Why Ian?  Because Abbott has Gillard on the ropes and makes her and her Government accountable? Abbott has the Coalition on course to be the next Government in their own right. “Turnbull needs to return and lead the LNP”
      You Labor luvies are funny and so scared of Tony. Tony will be our next PM, better get used to the idea Ian, Tony aint going nowhere but to the Lodge my friend.

    • Liam says:

      09:23am | 05/04/11

      Ian, Tony Abbott has Gillard and her Government shaking in their shoes and you also. The only way she will ever have any chance of winning the next election is if Tony Abbott isn’t Leader of the LNP. As Tony’s popularity rises and his LNP keep improving in the polls the more you and Labor scream get rid of him! Give us Turnbull! Please! Unfortunately for you and Gillard, Turnbull will not be Leader any time before the next election. Hoping that he will be just shows how terrified you guys are about what a great job Tony is doing for his party and the country. Keep up the great work Tony, the majority of Australians want a Coalition Government. Also must say was surprised this little story wasn’t about kicking Abbott in the guts, which is the normal course of things you read and hear about him. Nice change Mal, considering the majority of Australians prefer the Coalition. We should be hearing more positive stories about Abbott for a change, he isn’t the d@#*head the MSM continually portray him as. Considering all the negative pieces written about him and all the pro Gillard pieces and reports we get from the MSM Gillard still can’t make any ground. How about more good news about Abbott as the majority are getting sick and tired of the noisy minority.

    • Mail says:

      09:49am | 05/04/11

      Thing is Liam
      Abbott’s popularity keeps falling.
      and
      there is not much good to say about a leader of the lunatic fringe - unless of course you live there.

    • NicoleG says:

      10:48am | 05/04/11

      Do Badgers go in to hibernation? If so when?

    • Gladys says:

      11:33am | 05/04/11

      @ Mail

      I thought you were a CALALA? Illiterate much?

    • David C says:

      11:40am | 05/04/11

      electorate does not want moderation anymore, the polls are tellign you thta. Moderation gave you Julia Gilard.
      The electorate is saying loud and clear IMHO they want a return to good old conservative values

    • Gladdass says:

      12:12pm | 05/04/11

      Yes,
      By all means, we should return to the safety of the 1950’s conservative bosom.  Nothing like the far right to make you feel safe in your beds.

    • bobw says:

      12:37pm | 05/04/11

      @David C:  Which “good old conservative values” would those be?  “Stop the boats”?

    • David C says:

      12:58pm | 05/04/11

      well you could start with people not dying on boats…
      but I would suggest these would be the values Gillard is now desparately trying to associate with herself

    • Knemon says:

      01:09pm | 05/04/11

      TimB @  I’m so glad that you are not part of my employ. When you leave your place of employment at the end of a day, can you honestly say ‘well that was a productive day’? I’m guessing not, unless of course, like me, you’re self employed…even then your productivity would be sorely lacking. You’re either a public servant or one of the Hollowmen!!

    • TimB says:

      02:50pm | 05/04/11

      No Knemon, I’m private sector. Unlike you Knemon, I’m good at what I do. Efficient too. No conscience issues come home time.

      The work gets done, I get my daily dose of entertainment, everyone is happy.

      Well except for you it seems smile. Fortunately for me, your happiness is not at the top of my priority list when I post.

    • Gladys says:

      03:23pm | 05/04/11

      Edward keeps changing his name.

    • Knemon says:

      04:15pm | 05/04/11

      TimB @ 02:50pm. Come on Timmy, no need to be like that. I just went down to the local LNP office and applied for membership, that should make you happy - they took one look at me and told me politely to F*&K off wink

    • Hubble says:

      08:02am | 05/04/11

      @acotrel,,clutching at straws,shuffling deck chairs. Eric Abetz could not do much about his great relatives,,he was not born,you moron

      Reply

    • acotrel says:

      08:11am | 05/04/11

      @Hubble Eric Abetz fits the profile, I can just see him in a black uniform!

    • acotrel says:

      08:21am | 05/04/11

      @Hubble - Genetics?

    • Matt says:

      10:17am | 05/04/11

      @acotrel, are you suggesting that all Germans are genetically pre-disposed to genocide? You are indeed a sad individual.

    • TimB says:

      12:43pm | 05/04/11

      @ Matt, one could almost construe acotrel’s comment as being racist against Germans.

      What a rednecked racist bigot is our acotrel.

    • The Badger says:

      04:40pm | 05/04/11

      timmie
      conservatives construe all the time. It’s their stock in trade. We expect no less from the likes of you.
      Everyone knows that all rednecked racist bigots are conservatives or fascists.

    • TimB says:

      05:44pm | 05/04/11

      Well Badger I’m sure that acotrel will be happy to hear that you consider him a conservative fascist.

      You might want to let a few of the Green members know too, I heard they were off picking on Jews the other day.

    • acotrel says:

      06:22pm | 05/04/11

      @Matt It was the Germans (Abetz’s ancestors)  who invented eugenics, not me!

    • Matt says:

      10:58am | 06/04/11

      @acotrel, your comments are racist, and extremely offensive. I would ask the Punch team to remove such blatantly idiotic, insensitive, and inflammatory comments from this thread. I don’t think its acceptable for a (regular) commenter to post this sort of rubbish.

    • Spaghetti Godess says:

      08:11am | 05/04/11

      The Abbott has too many invisible friends for me to believe in him.

      Reply

    • acotrel says:

      09:02am | 05/04/11

      @ Godess He also has a visible one in the Archbishop of Sydney, who just loves to pull strings.

    • gladys says:

      11:35am | 05/04/11

      @ Spag Bog:

      Better than having no friends. Do you have a bike or just the VW?

    • Jay Santos says:

      08:15am | 05/04/11

      On a day when Mall’s employers own poll reveals Gillard’s Labor Party polling at eight year lows, Mr Farr once again can’t help write about Tony Abbott.

      What a pity that amidst all the nudge & wink rhetoric, Malcolm neglects to mention why Tony Abbott does the Pollie Pedal and who are the direct beneficiaries of his efforts.

      Reply

    • iansand says:

      08:15am | 05/04/11

      Good.  Polly pedal is out of my way this year.  Last year I was stuck behind it near Bredbo.  A bunch of middle aged blokes who should have eschewed lycra decades ago wobbling all over the highway and slowing traffic.  They behaved as though they owned the road.  I suppose they were carrying on the form they have become used to in Parliament.

      Reply

    • James says:

      09:45am | 05/04/11

      The pollie pedal is a good cause, but I have to agree i find unpowered pieces of tin wobbling all over the road hather a health hazard, and not just for the riders.

    • Eskimo says:

      10:13am | 05/04/11

      @James - I think you would struggle to find a bike not made of carbon fibre.

    • MarK says:

      05:02pm | 05/04/11

      Yes charity work is inconvenient to one’s daily life eh ian.

    • iansand says:

      06:03pm | 05/04/11

      MarK could have asked what they were doing, or he could have launched a moronic attack.  No surprises.

      They were spread along about 2 km of road, all over the place, so that it was impossible to pass safely without knocking a cyclist off their bike.  They had a line of about 20 cars behind them and displayed not the slightest interest in making it possible to pass.  But, as no doubt they were born to rule, mere peons could wait.

    • MarK says:

      06:56pm | 05/04/11

      Last year Labor pollies were allowed to ride in it as well.

      Just saying ian.

      Might want to check on who you are following.

      (I got you under my skin ...I got you deep in the heart of me….Sing it ian….go on croon raspberry)

    • iansand says:

      07:42pm | 05/04/11

      Then, quite clearly, the Labor guys were also dickheads.  As I support neither Liberal nor Labor their affiliation is a matter of supreme irrelevance.

      You really have trouble concentrating, don’t you?

    • MarK says:

      10:28pm | 05/04/11

      Not at all son.

      You never read what I write though do you so I thought I was talking to myself and you in the spiritual sense, not you actually, thus having a wonderful and most interesting time. If I knew you were back reading me full time I would have made the words smaller.

      So are you back reading me? Or you didn’t stop?

      Go on. Admit it. You never stopped. You took sneaky peeks all the time. I knew it!!! What a thigh slapper.

      (I got you under my skin ...I got you deep in the heart of me….Sing it ian….go on croon :D)

      Must remember to not get in peoples way when doing charity work. Hate to be labelled a dickhead. Gosh. The shame.

    • casba says:

      08:50am | 05/04/11

      I only wish Juliar would get on her bike and start pedalling-out of The Lodge!  Then we could say goodbye to all of her back-pedalling on promises for good!

      Reply

    • acotrel says:

      09:05am | 05/04/11

      @casba She’s only in the lodge because she isn’t an aggressive twit, and knows how to negotiate!

    • Tom says:

      10:44am | 05/04/11

      I love it acetrol “knows how to negotiate”, from behind with a knife. Just ask your darling Kevin07 (went to pollies’ heaven).

    • Chris says:

      01:23pm | 05/04/11

      @acotrel… she is only in the Lodge because she was prepared to pay a higher price than Abbott… i.e. telling Wilkie she was prepared to push is pet legislation through.
      At the end of the day Abbott might end up in the Lodge with a lot fewer strings attached… and that would make him the better negotiator.

    • Bob says:

      04:24pm | 05/04/11

      @Chris: Amen. Abbott couldn’t lose that last election. If he lost, he’d contest the next one (After all: How many first term governments lose or even come this close to losing?). If Gillard lost, she was out and would be remembered as a badly regretted mistake. Because of this, Gillard was desperate to ‘win’ whatever the cost. Abbot wasn’t.

      Winning this election has probably cost Labor three.

    • loxy says:

      09:30am | 05/04/11

      The sooner the Liberals realise what a liability Abbott is as their leader the better. You only have to look at the most recent poll, in fact all of the polls to see that. Right now Labour is about as unpopular as they could ever be and are coping flak left, right and centre on the carbon tax and yet Gillard is still preferred PM over Abbott and always has been. It’s pretty simple really, people don’t like or trust Abbott and unless the Liberals clue onto this and replace their leader they run the very big risk of losing the next election again!

      Reply

    • Betty says:

      09:55am | 05/04/11

      Nup loxy, another get rid of Abbott plea from the Gillard groupies. The more you guys scream get rid of him the more we’re all convinced he’s doing a stirling job. Tony for PM!

    • JT says:

      10:05am | 05/04/11

      Ok let’s look at the most recent poll. The Coalition lead the government 55-45 on a 2PP percentage. A 10 point lead for those of you who can’t count. Labors primary support is currently 32 percent (so less than 1/3rd of the electorate would vote Labor). Julia’s preferred PM lead has shrunk to 9 points from 19.

      Ignoring the fact the incumbent almost always leads in the preferred pm stakes (better the devil you know aspect) its significance has never been of much consequence come election day. The 2PP however is very significant come election day.

      I must wonder about your sanity loxy when expressing views in such stark contrast with reality.

    • PTom says:

      11:16am | 05/04/11

      @JT
      It is funny how you talk up 2PP but then try to talk down Preferred PM. But you missed the point.

      If you read what loxy had written, the Polls and NSW election
      People want to vote for a Moderate Liberal Party. What we have federal is a right -whinge nutjob leader that takes climate change science advice from the church and wants to punish people on welfare while he rides around the country on taxpayer money.

      Don’t give me crap the Turnbull was unpopular. He was facing Rudd who was also seen as a moderate and people wanted were happy to stay where they had voted during the GFC.

    • Harry says:

      11:17am | 05/04/11

      If the MSM gave Abbott some positive media coverage instead of the usual garbage they prefer to dish out about him you would see a rise in his popularity. Gillard gets “good negotiator” “first female PM” “give her a chance” ” skilled performer” “finding direction” rah rah rah…..bit of that stuff for Abbott would turn the popularity contest around I’m sure. Mal Farrs piece today is about the most positive thing I have read about Abbott since he’s been Leader. And even this story isn’t very flattering. I would be interested to see if anyone can point to a single article giving Abbott credit for anything. You won’t, because they don’t print them.

    • loxy says:

      11:47am | 05/04/11

      Betty as a swinging voter who has voted for almost all the parties at one stage or another I’m far from a Gillard groupie. I usually vote for who is the best out of a bad bunch and while Abbott is in the running I won’t be voting for the Liberals. However, if they put Turnbull back in that would get my vote in a second!

      JT - not sure what makes you think your an expert on what’s realistic or not, however PTom is right, you completely missed my point. Abbott is an extremist, he is extremely conservative (many consider him sexist) and takes advice from a Cardinal who has covered up sexual abuse cases within the church - hardly appealing to me or the majority.

    • JT says:

      11:54am | 05/04/11

      Nothing funny about it PTom, preferred PM ratings are of little consequence on election day. 2PP are. 

      No what we have is what you think people want. Your own words betray you as an ideologue. You continue to show your tenuous grip on reality with your ‘‘Don’t give me crap the Turnbull was unpopular.’’ line.

      The facts say different. Turnbull was unpopular, not only with the general public but with the grassroots supporters. Supporters whom campaigned against him by writing their local members leading to the ballot that installed Abbott as leader.

      You may bleat day and night about Turnbull but history has shown that the only people who like Turnbull are Labor voters who have no intention of actually voting for him.

    • Ben81 says:

      01:03pm | 05/04/11

      PTom - “It is funny how you talk up 2PP but then try to talk down Preferred PM”
      Talking up the polling of the measure that actually wins elections is funny?  Yeah I bet you’re having a good laugh there.
      Funny how you talk down what matters and only cling to the scraps that are still left in the polls…

    • PTom says:

      01:06pm | 05/04/11

      JT,
      Do you mean to ignore the fact that Abbott won by 1 vote in a party that had 1 person missing and the fact that at the last election 2PP Labor won. While BOF not only won but had a massive swing to him.
      Everyone has been bleating Labor has a lesson to learn. Well the Federal Liberals are missing theirs too.

      That grass root campaign which was started by talkback radio that used email bomb to flood MP inboxes.  The just more media trying to tell people and governments how to think, all so they can gloat that they trick the public into following them.

    • JT says:

      02:43pm | 05/04/11

      ‘‘Do you mean to ignore the fact that Abbott won by 1 vote in a party that had 1 person missing and the fact that at the last election 2PP Labor won.’‘

      Could you make less sense? Yes Abbott won an INTERNAL vote for leadership by 1 vote. He won, he became Coalition leader. What relevance does that have on well anything? Yes at the 2010 election Labor won the 2PP by approx 30,000 votes. Again what relevance does that have on current 2PP polling? You seem simply to be proving my point that 2PP is important in an election, preferred PM is not.

      ‘‘Everyone has been bleating Labor has a lesson to learn. Well the Federal Liberals are missing theirs too.’‘

      What lesson would that be? The only lesson I see them learning is to keep doing what they are doing because Labor is hemorrhaging supporters and the Coalition are in a landslide winning position.

      ‘‘That grass root campaign which was started by talkback radio that used email bomb to flood MP inboxes.  The just more media trying to tell people and governments how to think, all so they can gloat that they trick the public into following them.’‘

      I see you are making Labor proud by pushing the latest spin, shock jocks to blame etc. I know it must kill you inside to think this let alone admit it (not that you ever will) but most people do actually think for themselves and do not simply do what talkback radio tells them to do. This of course ignores the fact that only a minority of the electorate listens to talkback. As for the emails, I see no evidence anywhere that they were flooded by so called email bombs, just a huge response from the grassroots expressed in emails, letters, talkback, in person that under Turnbull the Coalition were heading in the wrong direction.

    • acotrel says:

      06:31pm | 05/04/11

      @loxy
      ‘It’s pretty simple really, people don’t like or trust Abbott and unless the Liberals clue onto this and replace their leader they run the very big risk of losing the next election again! ‘

      I feel that people are becoming accustomed to Abbott’s agressive negativity, and it’s becoming accepted as ‘normal’.  I still get the sinkking feeling in the pit of my stomach whenever I see him on TV.  He’s a very dangerous person, and I fear he might get elected, just as that moron Kennett did in Victoria!

    • Kevin says:

      10:20am | 05/04/11

      Two of my pet hates combined - dickhead cyclists in lycra and Tony Abbott.  Does anyone know the exact route?  Might be time to get out the humvee.

      Reply

    • TimB says:

      10:39am | 05/04/11

      Memo to Tony Windsor- THIS is a death threat. Albeit one in jest, (hopefully) but still.

    • MarK says:

      11:18am | 05/04/11

      I call death threat.

      WOW

      I bet this is inspired from Crikey. They are left wing shock socks

    • Kevin says:

      12:42pm | 05/04/11

      Better call the AFP then.  Never read Crikey.

    • james milton says:

      02:53pm | 05/04/11

      Only the left knows such unbridled hatred, to fantasise about killing a politician who has caused no harm to Australia at all.

      I really hate to think what you’d do to Julia for all her countless blunders and stuff-ups that have cost billions.

    • Party Clown says:

      03:27pm | 05/04/11

      Only the right can twist the truth like a party balloon into whatever shape they desire.
      Suck in the hate and exhale your foul breath

    • Kevin says:

      03:42pm | 05/04/11

      LOL such faux outrage.  The suggestion that “the left” has a monopoly on unbridled hatred is particularly laughable.

    • acotrel says:

      06:36pm | 05/04/11

      @TimB
      ‘Memo to Tony Windsor- THIS is a death threat. Albeit one in jest, (hopefully) but still.’

      I wouldn’t post that, even in jest!

    • Govt@FauxCitizen says:

      12:21am | 06/04/11

      @ Kevin, Ha f\@cken ha, lame as, but maybe your Fairy godmother Joolya can wave her magic wand and convert your Matchbox replica into the real thing you latent redneck you. As for madam Duckarse she’s flat out walking let alone do anything remotely athletic for a worthy cause much like yourself I’d suspect.

    • Thomas Anderson says:

      10:29am | 05/04/11

      I don’t agree with everything Abbott advocates, but I respect him a lot for having a solid opinion and sticking to it. He should be the PM right now by all rights, as the majority wanted and still want him to be, and he will be after the next election.

      Reply

    • PTom says:

      12:45pm | 05/04/11

      Did you miss the 2PP at election day. The Majority got the government they prefered.

    • GB says:

      02:40pm | 05/04/11

      @PTom. Based on a lie. If you think the majority “got the government they preferred” you’d have no problem with Julia dissolving both houses and taking the ETS to an election so she can claim her mandate. Yes? No?

    • casba says:

      10:33am | 05/04/11

      @acotel
      Yes you are right about that! She knows how to negotiate how to be a political survivor- one without substance.

      Reply

    • Dick J says:

      10:42am | 05/04/11

      A lot of the commentary is inane. Abbot started doing this 1998, indeed any politician can ride . Politicians from all sides have participated.

      It is for charity for god’s sake. This year Sydney Uni’‘s Indigineous Health Reasearch Unit. Before he became Opposition Leader it received virtually no media coverage but has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars.

      Reply

    • Brenda says:

      10:52am | 05/04/11

      Abbott has grit and is now taking Gillard apart. If Gillard survives until qualifying for a PM pension, could that be the ultimate Labor “deal”???
      I would like to see Julia Gillard set a much better example to our youth. Instead of lying and manipulating being her most outstanding characteristics, she could demonstrate that a fit body image is an essential component of a fit mind. Miss Gillard should get on her bike and ride. I’m not suggesting lycra but I’d love to see that!  Shorts and a T-shirt would do, with hordes of cameras following behind to capture the everlasting vision.
      And Kevin Rudd.  How fitting that he has divulged confidential Labor cabinet machinations, vowing never again to be quite so trusting.. So “they” pressured Rudd into dumping his climate programme - then Juliar dumped him only to hypocritically resurrect the climate programme in her own name.  Then there was Rudd’s somewhat verbose confirmation that thuggery is Labor’s cultural trademark. 
      Oakeshot could also show some gumption.  Save his political neck by facilitating an immediate election.  Because that is the only way he is going to resurrect his damaged personal credibility or any hope he has of an ongoing political career.

      Reply

    • The Original Oz says:

      11:30am | 05/04/11

      @Brenda - “Gillard should get on her bike and ride. I’m not suggesting lycra”. My god - the mental image - that was just so unfair Brenda. A person could require long term counselling after conjuring up that image.

    • Jim says:

      12:35pm | 05/04/11

      “Oakeshot could also show some gumption” - not going to happen Brenda. Oakeshotte is owned body and soul by Labor now. They bought him and Windsor out, they are as much Labor puppets now as Keneally was a puppet premier.

    • Knemon says:

      07:53pm | 05/04/11

      @ Brenda - Thanks for that - The image of our PM in Lycra was so disturbing I just brought up dinner. Perhaps we could have a contest - Tone in the ‘budgies’, Gilly in the ‘Lycra’ and Bobby in his long Johns…chuck..

    • The Civet says:

      11:06am | 05/04/11

      For God’s sake Malcolm Farr; last year’s Melbourne Cup winner had the strength, the commitment, and could certainly handle the distance. However, I doubt it had the ability to lead the country.

      Australia would be ill served by having a lout as a leader.

      Reply

    • Knemon says:

      08:03pm | 05/04/11

      Hey Civet - If it’s good enough for cricket, it’s good enough for the PM’s job.

    • BK says:

      11:33am | 05/04/11

      Many people seem to believe that politicians don’t do much work. People who work hard simply don’t have the energy to finish work and do the amount of training that TA and others do. His sports are-not a good look.

      Reply

    • David C says:

      11:51am | 05/04/11

      with regards to Abbotts leadership, there was a Four Corners show done on him last year by Tony Jones’ wife (we are talking left of). She tried to get him the whole episode and it seemed to me she left her killer question to the end ” what is Tony Abbotts vision for Australia?”
      His answer summed up his leadership style “its not about my vision, its about me helping every Australian realise their vision”

      Reply

    • Drew(Darlinghurst) says:

      11:53am | 05/04/11

      Tony Abbott is nothing more than a Right Wing Fundamentalist Catholic

      Go back to the Seminary and take the vowel of silence.

      NEXT

      Reply

    • David C says:

      12:11pm | 05/04/11

      LOL ..  vowel ....thats funny

    • Tom says:

      12:38pm | 05/04/11

      A “vowel of silence” would make Abbott a Kiwi.

    • Blampa says:

      01:17pm | 05/04/11

      I’ll have an “E”.
      Drew (Darlinghurst) going by your logic that would make you; a Left Wing Zealot Gaia worshipper. 
      Go back to Darlinghurst and take a load with a vowel in the proverbial.

      NEXT

    • Jim says:

      11:59am | 05/04/11

      So let me get this right, Mal…you open with a salvo against Abbott, saying he was going to ‘ambush’ Windsome. Then, after several paragraphs of self-serving piss-taking against Abbott, you chortle that he has lost the element of surprise for the ‘ambush’. But Abbott let him know 6 weeks agao he would be there - hardly sounds like someone planning an ‘ambush’ in the dead of night, does it?

      It seems like you are the only one who thought it was going to be an ‘ambush’...you just sound stooopider every day Mal with your love of all things Gillard.

      Ewww…Gillard in tights on a bike….now THAT’S a thought that would make anyones Lycra bunch up.

      Reply

    • adnav says:

      12:00pm | 05/04/11

      The article is good.
      What we are seeing is this.  Australia had its little experiment with Labor and Ruddy…then, it was really bad luck to get stuck with Juliar and the Independents at the last election.  It is all beginning to unravel.  Its time to go back to the boring conservatives…who after all do the best job.  In my book boring is good.  After all at the end of the day we are really interested in bread and butter issues.  We need to be worrying about a carbon tax when we see the rest of the world do their bit.  Whats the point in putting in a carbon tax and seeing the unemployment cripple our economy.  My vote is with Tony.

      Reply

    • David C says:

      12:14pm | 05/04/11

      I agree with your comments 100%, its time for some people that get the real world as opposed to theorists.

    • TimB says:

      12:54pm | 05/04/11

      I can’t think of any response to this but hysterical laughter.

      See ya Drew.

    • David C says:

      01:00pm | 05/04/11

      I call dummy spit

    • Ben81 says:

      01:15pm | 05/04/11

      Oh but there’s still a few people there who aren’t Labor apologists Drew, try this one
      http://www.alp.org.au/

      Not too much dissent there, you won’t have to read anything you don’t want to read at all and can walk around smiling all day knowing everythings’s peachy…

    • Knemon says:

      08:16pm | 05/04/11

      @ Drew - Surely it’s more fun giving the conservatives a bit of a jab, keep ‘em honest, so to speak. Do a MarKy - grab a 44 gallon drum of popcorn, sit back and have a laugh, at the same time, swim in a bathtub full of peanut butter, does wonders for your health. wink

    • CARMEN says:

      01:28pm | 05/04/11

      I will be more than proud and happy to have Mr. Tony Abbott as Prime Minister of Australia.  Unlike the present P.M. and her entourage, Mr. Abbott will make a most honourable, trustworthy and honest leader - one who really cares for his country and fellow Australians.

      I am hoping that when the very crucial time comes that the Australian people will see, understand the necessity and gravity to have this government ousted and replaced, once again, by a more respectful party.

      Reply

    • Melissa says:

      02:45pm | 05/04/11

      Me too CARMEN, I would love to see Tony PM. I find him honest, down to earth, like your typical aussie knock about bloke, he’s intelligent and listens to the community and is involved with the community with SLSC, volunteer Fire Brigade, he’s involved with the Aboriginal Community and listens to them and their issues with interest. I can’t understand why the media insist on only attacking him. He has far more positives than negatives, but they only want to pull him to pieces. Tony will make a terrific Prime Minister.

    • adnav says:

      01:50pm | 05/04/11

      How dumb is Juliar, all of Labor and for that matter Ruddy?
      Don’t they listen at all?
      We don’t want a carbon tax or the NBN or for that matter K.Rudd.
      I am enjoying sitting back and watching Labor self destruct.
      The next election will be the New South Wales landslide all over again.
      Then we will hear all the bullshit about having to learn a big lessor for not listening to the people.  Hello…..is anybody home?
      Pollies let power go to their heads…..when you stop listening to the people
      ......you are done.

      Reply

    • adnav says:

      01:54pm | 05/04/11

      Forgot to add.
      Since Juliar has had the job.
      l.  Mining Tax
      2.Flood Tax
      3.Cabon Tax
      4…..............
      Get the drift?

      Reply

    • MarK says:

      10:30pm | 05/04/11

      You forgot the alcopops tax that Jules had a hand in.

      Jules helped out there too!! Don’t sell her short

    • JAZ says:

      01:56pm | 05/04/11

      MarkK what a brilliant post !
      You’ve articulated exactly what is going on, I think alot of people should take note of what you’ve written because its absolutely spot on. Well done
      I also agree last night on Q&A that Rudd gave a well deserved slap in the face to Labour and their ineptitudes
      Labour federally are in huge trouble and i believe the polls dont accurately show just how dire things have become for them. Whether the Australian public like Abbot or not , Labour and the left will have their failure riddled arses handed to them.  Lets hope we go to the polls sooner rather than later !!!

      Reply

    • Ryan says:

      02:29pm | 05/04/11

      And yet not one Labor pollie on here sought to make some derogatory political mileage out of his attire this time, you guys are slipping.

      Reply

    • James D says:

      03:23pm | 05/04/11

      Tony has the strength and will but, as intelligent as he is, he does not appear to have the clarity of thought and consistency of purpose required. He appears to blow with the wind, and although I don’t believe he’s insincere there’s something missing that allows him to stray away from the path too often. It’s as if he reserves his best for the bike, the road and the beach and his time off the bike or out of the smugglers is spent recovering. I believe Malcolm Turnbull would make a better prime minister.

      Reply

    • Gavin says:

      05:41pm | 05/04/11

      Clarity of thought?
      Abbott?
      He’s a punch drunk thug who’s best days are way behind him.
      I suspect he’s ben hit in the head one time too many.

    • Noleen says:

      03:39pm | 05/04/11

      The Liberal Party is not listening…..Many swinging voters are lookin for an excuse to ditch the Labor Party and vote Liberal…however it is true, despite the nay sayers here, that we will NOT vote for Tony Abbott.  malcolm Turnbull is the leader who will pull in all the swinging voters…I know this for a fact and I am one of them .

      Reply

    • Ryan says:

      04:26pm | 05/04/11

      What a crock, the only people who want Malcolm is the Labor party, there is no question about that. They want the heat taken off them, someone who won’t hold them to account and someone they can get to cowtow to their every whim.

    • Kip says:

      04:27pm | 05/04/11

      Well maybe you should vote for the party with the best policies and record. Did you think of that? You don’t actually vote for Abbott or Turnbull.

    • Drew(Darlinghurst) says:

      05:42pm | 05/04/11

      I love it when the Conservative side of politics are in opposition…as they all have a BORN TO RULE ATTITUDE.

      face facts .......your in opposition…..again

      So sit down shut up and listen to your Ugly Right Wing Shock Jocks. Or read your trashy Tabloid rags such as : the Daily Telegraph or Herald Sun.

      News Ltd is Populist BS

      Reply

    • MarK says:

      07:00pm | 05/04/11

      You lost mate? Link fall off your favorites? Got bored?

      Here ya go

      http://www.crikey.com.au/

      cya later Drew

      PS You really are making a bit of a goose of yourself son. Time to let it go. The hate you hold is not healthy. Seriously take a few days off the web and this site in particular. I really do start to worry (seriously) when people begin to rage like this against a corporation.

      Protip son. News Ltd doesn’t really care about you and your opinion.

    • Karen from Qld says:

      08:23pm | 05/04/11

      I have read many comments stating the next election is 2 years away - technically it is-  but the reality is that it could be only a by election away. Life as we all know it is unpredictable and all it needs is for one sitting ALP member to retire for a myriad of reasons and it will be game on. I really don’t like Labor’s chances of winning any by election that is called between now and the introduction of the carbon tax particularly since the cracks in the ALP are getting wider and wider every day.

      Reply

    • cybacaT says:

      10:47pm | 05/04/11

      How refreshing to read a positive article about Abbott.  It seems the more people know Abbott, the more respect they have for him.  It’s those who know nothing about him who sling mud and buy the Labor lines to try and discredit him.  As he’s said before - he doesn’t need to be perfect - just better than his opponent…and he’s light years ahead of anyone in Labor.

      Reply

    • Steve Smith says:

      05:52am | 06/04/11

      Riding around being a poser on a pushbike ,dressed in lycra doesn’t make Tony Abbott Prime Minister material,he is a far right wing fruitcake with his half baked ideas that he calls policies.
      I don’t hate the man, I dislike the man, Malcolm Turnbull was much more honest, much more sincere, and has much more respect and integrity than Tony Abbott will ever have.
      Tony Abbott is a dropkick whose main interest is in himself, and his sole ambition to one day become Prime Minister,
      Dream on Tony Abbott,like those imbeciles that idolise you, you are destined for disappointment like your followers and supporters.

      Reply

    • Steve Smith says:

      06:03am | 06/04/11

      On ya bike Abbbott, and along with the dropkicks in your Opposition, ride of into the sunset and allow a more honest and sincere person like Malcolm Turnbull to take over the Liberal/National party Opposition.
      Malcolm Turnbull also has much more respect and integrity for Parliament and for the Australian people than Tony Abbott,and the Liberal/National party erred big time by dumping Turnbull .

      Reply

    • Kim says:

      09:23am | 06/04/11

      Polls seem to prove Abbott is doing a good job for the Coalition and so does your childish comment. I would expect if your so upset with Abbott it’s because he holds the Gillard Government to account and makes sure there is scrutiny. Damn democracy eh.

    • Andy says:

      09:43am | 06/04/11

      Yeh Malcom had the Coalition zooming along in the polls didn’t he? No wonder you like him so much compared to where Abbott has the Coalition positioned at the moment.

    • Steve Smith says:

      06:20am | 06/04/11

      The only thing that Tony Abbott’s lycra outfit turns on is himself, and some of his weird supporters and followers.
      It seems that Tony Abbott’s weird and wonderful supporters and followers have adjusted to ‘lycra man’  Abbott , since he swapped his budgies smugglers for his lycra outfit.

      Reply

    • James says:

      09:20am | 06/04/11

      Intelligent comment Steve Smith.

    • Luke says:

      09:31am | 06/04/11

      Another Gillard groupie upset with the latest newspoll. Maybe you should direct your “dumb” and “personal” insults at Julia for her and her Labor Governments continuing slide in the polls.

    • XG says:

      08:27am | 06/04/11

      I think Malcolm has been hit by that so called American mind altering weapon.  I didnt detect too much spite against Abbott or the Libs, whats happening Mal? Have you finally realised that Labor is on the nose and Gillard is a clown?

      Reply

    • simon says:

      10:30am | 06/04/11

      Not one word that “Pollie Pedal” raises funds for Aboriginal health.
      Just the typical childish jokes about Lycra.
      Get of your fat arse Farr and contribute more to society than snide snipes at Abbott and fawning articles about Rudd’s cat.

      Reply

    • Muzz says:

      11:00am | 06/04/11

      Tony Abbott has heaps of interest in the Aboriginal community and listens to their issues and sincerely wants to help. Unfortunately it doesn’t seem to matter what good points Tony has, the media are set on only reporting rubbish about him. Tony Abbott has a lot of good attributes that would make him a good Prime Minister, but these attributes are ignored. Anyone that has met or know Tony will tell you he’s a very intelligent, likable guy that relates and listens to people on all levels. Shame this is always missed by the media. It’s no wonder his popularity in the polls is lower than Gillards, he never gets any support from journo’s or reporters to let people get to know the real Tony Abbott. All we get is the Tony Abbott that the media chosse to portry him as, and it’s all negative and bad according to them.

    • SuperDync says:

      10:11am | 14/02/12

      Good post. The visual content shown right here is of pretty great quality. I will make use of this web-site much more often regarding
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      Reply
 
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