Tony Abbott to deflect Singapore floral tribute

Tony Abbott is looking at breaking a 20-year-old diplomatic tradition when he visits Singapore this weekend.

Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard looks at the orchids named after her.

Tony Abbott is looking at breaking a diplomatic tradition harking back more than 20 years when he visits Singapore this weekend to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations with the prosperous ­island state.

The Prime Minister is considering turning down a Singaporean floral tribute in having an orchid named after him in the ­Botanic Gardens. Mr Abbott’s predecessors, Paul Keating and Julia Gillard, on official visits, had orchids named in their honour — Dendrobium Julia Gillard and Renantanda Paul Keating.

Almost 200 international VIPs, including Margaret Thatcher and Nelson Mandela, have had floral tributes.

Mr Abbott, however, is not ­expected to follow suit and ­despite some speculation that he may give the honour to his wife, Margie, it is more likely to be a diplomatic tribute to the 50 years of the Australian-Singapore relationship.

The orchid cultivars are housed in the Tan Hoon Siang Mist House, amid lush tropical ­foliage and cultural artefacts from their countries of origin. Apart from the botanical ties, Mr ­Abbott’s two-day visit will ­include delivering the 35th ­Singapore Lecture on strengthening sec­urity ties in the region, opening the Singapore campus of the James Cook University and looking at plans for Islamic deradicalis­ation.