Greenie in disguise will need luck to defeat Abbott

Independent candidate for Warringah Zali Steggall can’t match the contributions of sitting member Tony Abbott.

Tony Abbott is an intelligent, decent human being who has ably represented his constituents of Warringah for more than two decades (“Abbott poll tactic a carbon copy”, 28/1). Moreover, he has been a contributor to the community through surf lifesaving and the Rural Fire Service.

But one of the independent candidates for Warringah, Zali Steggall, feels it necessary to bag Abbott, pointing out what she believes are his many shortcomings.

This may be the way of politics today, but she should tread with caution. People have long memories, and Abbott’s name, for the most part, is held in high regard.

Steggall has singled out climate change as her main platform. We have here a greenie in disguise; her knowledge doesn’t seem that great but she knows how to apply the usual populist rhetoric.

She has enlisted the support of our resident climate authority, Tim Flannery, to try and add authenticity to her story. Good luck with that.

John George, Terrigal, NSW

A former staffer of Malcolm Turnbull is running against Tony Abbott as an independent and doubtless Turnbull will be a contributor to her campaign. Former Olympic skier, barrister and political novice, Zali Steggall, announced she is also running against Abbott and her main campaign thrust is climate change. Steggall, I suppose, is probably backed by GetUp.

Now we learn that Julia Banks, that delicate flower who is so easily bullied, is considering a run against Health Minister Greg Hunt in Flinders. That means her likely backers, GetUp, assume her seat of Chisholm is in the bag for Labor and a “strong, independent candidate” could do real damage to the Coalition in Flinders.

If this is democracy at work, we are in more trouble than 2007 when the world of politics started to turn Left.

Don Spence, Ashmore, Qld

How could anyone possibly prefer the independent — therefore ineffective — Zali Steggall to our giant of a politician, Tony Abbott?

Abbott, as prime minister, did so much for all of us in his effective years at the helm, leading Australia firmly along the right, sensible path. He has always worked tirelessly for his constituents in Warringah and in my experience does his utmost to solve any problem sent his way.

Steggall waffles on, a bit like a well-known, repetitive pop song, whereas Abbott strides the local and world stage sounding more like Beethoven’s Ninth, especially his Ode to Joy.

Jennifer Austin, Seaforth, NSW

If Zali Steggall is challenging Tony Abbott just for laughs, she could not do better than to have Tim Flannery as her adviser on global warming. Guaranteed a laugh a minute. But, if she is serious, she should give Flannery a wide berth. Just check his track record.

Frank Pulsford, Aspley, Qld

It seems that ski slopes and a law degree do not lead to climate wisdom. Zali Steggall, campaigning for the seat of Warringah, has adopted a climate policy whose time has long passed.

Twenty years ago, the views of Tim Flannery may have seemed acceptable. Since then, the failures of his predictions have dented his reputation as a climate guru.

Perhaps Steggall did not read Ian Plimer’s recent evidence-based article in The Australian (17/1) about the corruption that compromises many scientific papers on climate. I suggest she revise her policy and use Plimer’s analysis as its basis. She might then be able to move from ideology to reason.

Donald Munro, Taringa, Qld

How many candidates does it take to defeat Tony Abbott? Seemingly, as many who are prepared to be induced by the Left to unseat him. This decent man has served the people of Warringah for 25 years, giving more than most politicians to the community and beyond, and to Aboriginal communities in the north.

This is not about defeating Abbott, this is a plan to keep him so busy in his own seat so that he will not be able to get out and campaign in other electorates nationwide.

Lesley Beckhouse, Queanbeyan, NSW

The phrase “out over one’s skis” seems fitting for Zali Steggall as she pushes the limits in taking on Tony Abbott in Warringah. To seek the all-knowing counsel of climate Jeremiah, Tim Flannery, after his many flawed declarations of imminent doom, is not a good first step.

Jim Ball, Narrabeen, NSW