A view through the eyes of one who is watching…

This excellent cartoon is by Alan Moir of the SMH. View his gallery here…

It is always tough to be the first opposition leader after years of government. Historically it has always been a hospital pass, a sacrificial role. History will likely repeat itself.

The Federal Liberal party is in tatters after their loss in November 2007. Lost without a clear policy platform, and hurting from a lack of talent. Over the next few months there are surely to be some exits; Peter Costello, Alexander Downer, Mark Vaile to name a few. Due for retirement should be Phillip Ruddock. However, it is seems the right are using jackboot tactics to implant their own, and it seems he is holding out till the next election to prevent his seat leaving moderate hands at this time. The right have done as much in other seats such as Mitchell and Cook.

The right faction of the Liberal Party seem to have an agenda to control the party across all levels to implement their own right-wing ideology. It does not seem to be the Liberal party that came in to being decades ago. It has changed, morphing into something not unlike the right-wing politics that dominates the U.S.

Brendan Nelson’s performance to date has been lacking, and he does not seem to be in touch with the people, nor in control of the party. He doesn’t seem to stand for any particular policy, other than to “spread the word of liberalism”. With the machinations of the right, it seems unlikely that there will be any “small L” liberalism to be had.

It is doubtful that Dr. Nelson will be leading the opposition at the next election, but they will probably have to hold on to him for a lot longer yet. They cannot afford to waste Malcolm Turnbull this early in the game.

The Government is performing well so far, and the Prime Minister has made a stellar entrance to the world stage on behalf of Australia on his first world trip. It remains to be seen how long this will last. It is only early days.

As for Dr. Nelson, if he is to show his leadership credentials, he needs to have a solid policy platform and stand behind it. The current policy suite is flapping about limply about in the breeze like a wet shirt on a washing-line.

So Brendan, if you are listening, take a stand for something and stick with it!