This will hurt me...

From his website (with a nod to Vincenzo): Dr Brendan Nelson’s Vision for Australia "That Australia becomes a country in which we value the health and integrity of human life, as much as we do our economic objectives. That barriers to the creation of wealth are seen as the enemy of effective social policy. That the idealism of young people is nurtured. That Australians live in a society in which their opinions are both solicited and heard. That every Australian, irrespective of circumstances, knows they will be cared for – but in return, each is expected to make a contribution to the society from which they derive a benefit. That we see ourselves as an outward looking, competitive, compassionate country, reconciled with its Indigenous history, imbued with the values of hard work, self-sacrifice, tolerance and courage." I am keen to see how Howard's 'battlers' take this, and how Abbott might play his hand in response.

I have another word to say on Peter Costello's decision to walk away from politics. I am very much surprised by the amount of people (from all sides of politics), who interpret his actions in a far more generous manner than I do. The general consensus is one that I actually agree with on a fundamental level; that is, that he realises that he will not become PM, and that the decision to walk away demonstrates "good judgement”. In a way, they are correct. However, I cannot help but to add that while running away often shows good “judgement”, but it also demonstrates lack of character in this context. People really should be grateful that this guy never became PM.

First up, I think that Costello’s assessment of John Howard as an economic manager is pretty much spot on, but I would have thought that he’d be more careful in the manner in which he’d express himself. I applaud any politician brave enough to offer an honest critique, but you really have to wonder about the shrewdness of Costello continuing the criticism yesterday. After a number of standoffs over the leadership, again the Treasurer looks like an angry younger sibling sniping away, only not having the guts or power to challenge his older brother. Also, you can’t help but feel that he is having a bob each way by staying in the job as Treasurer, either not challenging more forthrightly on policy or the leadership, but also “expressing concerns” at Federal Government spending. Again, he really does come across as both disloyal and weak, not two traits that you’d want in a future PM. To do it in an election year compounds it. On this, I think that the smart money should be on him never b...