Time for Tony and Mal to make up as old rivals’ rift brings government to its knees

Tony Abbott — National Security Minister? We could think of worse options.

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Photo: Ray Strange

Hi Malcolm, hi Tony. We need to have a chat. Paul Kelly in The Australian, yesterday:

It is time for Malcolm Turnbull and Tony Abbott to come to the same table ...

We’re really worried about the two of you. Liberal Party president Nick Greiner on Sky’s Sunday Agenda:

They need to resolve it face to face.

We know you’ve both been struggling. Chris Mitchell in The Australian, yesterday:

The venom between (Kevin) Rudd and (Julia) Gillard is only matched by the 30-year spite between Abbott and Turnbull ...

Tony, you feel let down. The former prime minister on 2GB, June 26:

Long-term bad blood is created when you have the political execution of a first-term democratically elected prime minister.

And Malcolm ... you won’t even say Tony’s name ... The Prime Minister on the ABC’s PM, July 5:

I’m not going to comment on the gentleman …

But we need to work this out. Paul Kelly in The Australian, yesterday:

Turnbull’s refusal post-election to give Abbott a senior cabinet post has had dire consequences.

You could, Malcolm, always create a new position for Tony. David Speers on Sky News, yesterday:

The much-speculated idea of Australia embracing a supernational security portfolio …

We know you hated the idea of a ­national security minister when Labor considered it. Turnbull in parliament, December 4, 2008:

It was a very poorly conceived idea ... It was crafted more to capture campaign headlines ...

And Julie and George still hate it. David Speers on Sky News, ­yesterday:

There is deep cabinet division on this.

But you two need to pull together. Paul Kelly in The Australian, ­yes­terday:

... the political differences cannot be confronted without prior attention to the personal rift.

Oh great, Malcolm, we’re so glad you now like the national security idea. Sky News, yesterday:

Sky News understands this is what the Turnbull government will be ­announcing … The Prime Minister strongly backs this idea.

Yes, Tony, it didn’t work out when Julia brought Kevin into the cabinet. The Australian, February 22, 2012:

Kevin Rudd has resigned as Foreign Minister ...

Tony, Tony, he’s coming round. Please don’t be like this. Abbott on 2GB, May 3:

I chose to bring the now Prime Minister into my government at the very beginning and he chose not to. That’s his call ...

Malcolm, mate. Don’t say you’ll “hang out with Dutton instead”. Sky News, yesterday:

One portfolio and one minister. That’s expected to be Peter Dutton.

Guys, please. The Australian, yes­terday:

The Coalition continued to trail Labor in the latest Newspoll ...

Come on, Malcolm, be the bigger man. Reach out to Tony. Dolly Parton, May 22, 1973:

I had to have this talk with you / My happiness depends on you / And whatever you decide to do / (Tony) …