Last Post: Teals, Monty Python, Clive Palmer and us

Paul Kelly’s brilliant dissection of the teal independents (“Deceptive path to power”, 7-8/5) should be compulsory reading for all voters in teal-contested seats.

Ashley Miller, Malvern, Vic

Simon Holmes a Court’s so-called independents are beginning to sound like a skit from Monty Python: “I won’t divulge my policies or tell you who I intend to support, but vote for me anyway.”

Elizabeth Moser, Newtown, Vic

If teal rhymes with deal, steal, real and meal, why can’t I think of a witty remark?

Barry Lamb, Heidelberg West, Vic

To use a racing analogy, we are now in the home straight. The bookies have Labor as a short-priced favourite. They have a pretty good record in such matters. But they are not infallible. On the racetrack, many certainties are beaten.

Michael J. Gamble, Belmont, Vic

Albo’s performance during the election campaign provides a splendid example of the Peter principle in operation.

Dennis Walker, North Melbourne, Vic

Democracy’s great strength is that every adult citizen gets the vote. It is ironic that this is its great weakness.

David Roberts, Wembley, WA

Two things I have against Clive Palmer. He says litigation is his hobby. Knowing you have the money to keep paying lawyers long after those you attack have to fold is the conduct of a bully. And because his party is on the ballot paper, I can’t put One Nation last.

Margaret Furness, Strathalbyn, SA

“Sorry dear, I couldn’t make you a cuppa this morning, the sun wasn’t shining and the wind wasn’t blowing.” Dear PM, please start the conversation on nuclear power before this becomes the new normal in homes across the country.

David Hill, Russell Island, Qld

Hi-vis vests are de rigueur for prime ministerial contenders. They’d be better advised to wear flak jackets, given the amount of the stuff flying about in the campaign.

MF Horton, Adelaide, SA

The sun shone in more ways than one at the SCG on Saturday (“Special moment as Goodes ends public AFL exile”, 7-8/5). Gratifying to see Adam Goodes confidently return to the scene of some of his greatest triumphs and heartwarming to see the generous reception from the crowd. While memories remain and scars endure, seemingly and hopefully we have moved on as a nation and learned from that deeply hurtful period.

Vic Alhadeff, Kirribilli, NSW