Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

A torrid affair?

By David Dawson - posted Thursday, 1 June 2006


So while he and Katter have certainly shown their differences, Joyce is well and truly the most likely National candidate to be lured to any breakaway party.

With Joyce was making waves for the Coalition over the sale of Telstra, as well as industrial relations reform, he even managed to elicit gruff looks from National MP Ron Boswell, one of his staunchest allies.

Joyce makes his views known, resulting in a rosy reception at home in his own electorate, but often generating a less than enthused reaction from his Liberal and National colleagues.

Advertisement

But what kind of a party could Katter create?

A coalition of scattered independents, disaffected Nationals and the odd Family First candidate would result in … what exactly?

The most likely result would be a brand of radical conservatism combined with the values of heartland Australia, with a dash of Christian rhetoric thrown in for good measure.

The party would inevitably place its emphasis on rural issues, pushing issues such as an ethanol mandate and support for the agricultural sector - precisely the wheelbarrow Katter has been keen to push all along.

Katter has always enjoyed strong support in his electorate of Kennedy; indeed, in the last elections everyone bar the Nationals was convinced he would hold on to his throne, which he managed to do despite waves of bad press. Northerners love an underdog, and the more tribulations faced by their candidate, the more popular he becomes. Most northern political commentators are convinced Katter can hold his seat for life if he so chooses.

The merger was set to fail - such a torrid affair with so much opposition and very little compromise on behalf of the Liberals, seemed doomed to result in a quickie divorce.

Advertisement

In many ways it does answer one key question that has dogged Katter for many years - was he the one who abandoned the Nationals (or was that the Country Party?), or was he abandoned by the Nationals through a change in political direction?

Or was he in fact, abandoned by the New Liberals all along?

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

19 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

David Dawson is an independent journalist based in the Darling Downs, who covers issues relating to politics and local government.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by David Dawson

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Photo of David Dawson
Article Tools
Comment 19 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy