A Mr Trump-esque Mr Abbott in 2017, page-56

Hi gdbeech, sorry but must strongly disagree with you there.

Abbott has been one of the most disliked weathervane politicians for quite some time and that is why he was unceremoniously removed by his own side. Abbott does not measure up to one of John Howard’s or Peter Costello’s boot laces.

Abbott did not attract respect and thats why he suffered the indignity of being removed first term by his own. Rudd was also removed first term but at least he personally was quite popular in the community. Even John Howard astutely pointed out that had Rudd not been removed Rudd would have been re-elected with a clear majority rather than the result which had Gillard have to form a minority govt.

Malcolm Turnbull is struggling because he gives the impression that the conservative right have him on a leash because of the govt’s fragile majority. However, in spite of that there is no doubt Turnbull has a far superior intellect and certainly far superior business sense. He still has a chance to come good if he can stop the internal ructions.

IMO Turnbull faces a resurgent Labor that will make the govt’s task more difficult.
However, if the internal sniping and undermining stopped and reasonable policies introduced re-election is still a possibility as much can happen over the next two years.
On the other hand if Turnbull is outed by his own I reckon the electorate is so unhappy with this trend they will punish the govt. It would be another poisoned chalice for a new incumbent.