Tony Abbott can look back with pride

Life for a conviction politician is never easy but very few have shouldered the attacks like former prime minister Tony Abbott with such magnanimity and resilience, writes Peta Credlin.

In politics and in life, how you leave helps define how you’re remembered.

Tony Abbott’s gracious and dignified concession speech last Saturday night was the measure of the man. For him, the Liberal Party and the Australian people were the focus of his remarks.

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He repealed the carbon tax and mining tax, sealed three big free-trade agreements that had languished for a decade, kicked off the country’s biggest-ever infrastructure boom (including the second Sydney airport), started budget repair, cut red tape, declared Australia “open for business” and set about generating jobs.

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He boosted defence spending, made us safer, urged the world to take on Islamic State and stood up over MH17.

Former prime minister and Warringah Liberal candidate Tony Abbott with wife Margie after conceding defeat on Saturday, May 18. Picture: Bianca De Marchi/AAP

And he stopped the boats, which no one said could be done.

Life for a conviction politician is never easy but very few have shouldered the attacks like Abbott with such magnanimity and resilience.

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A steadfast and loyal conservative, he’ll now get to make a new and different contribution to our national life.

All the very best to Tony, Margie and their three daughters.

Watch Peta Credlin on Sky News, weeknights from 6pm.

Originally published as Tony Abbott can look back with pride