If I were Abbott, my negotiating stance would be to pretend to think that a new election was the go.
If I were the independents, I'd pretend interest in joining my enemy's camp. Then I'd posture and bluff and create headlines and ask for the world with a cherry on top. I'd play at brinkmanship, try to be the last person holding out, and generally look like a hero to my electorate.
The last thing I'd really want to do, on either side of the negotiating table, would be to walk away with no candy, while also being blamed for everyone having to trudge down to the polling booths again.
I hear Silver01 and yourself on the dairy industry issue. Credit to Mr Katter for his advocacy there.
