A lament among some commentators is a claimed lack of decency in contemporary politics. If that is the case then John Fahey, a former NSW Liberal premier and federal finance minister, who died in the early hours of Saturday, aged 75, was an exception.

It reflects his standing in Australian public life that his passing was met by both sides of politics lauding Fahey’s decency and humanity, while also acknowledging his shrewdness and the breadth of his interests.