By now, it should be becoming obvious to everyone among Liberal...

By now, it should be becoming obvious to everyone among Liberal parliamentarians that Tony Abbot has put his foot in his mouth too many times and has become political liability.

He has become a laughing stock in the international press and known as “Misogynist Tony” or “That Misogynist from Down Under”.

Even towing the boats back to Indonesia has caused amusement among ASEAN leaders who see it as not a serious assertion and and simply for domestic consumption in Australia.

The next election is there for the taking, but Tony Abbot appears to be doing his best to lose it. Turnball or Hockey would be more viable leaders of the Liberals at the next election, and provide “lay down misere” odds of winning.

Someone could speak to him about stepping down but he has a Gillard-like lust for power.

The only alternative is to force a vote among Liberal parliamentarians. The latter know that the election is theirs, and only Tony could lose it, and in doing so, cost them their comfortable seats in Parliament. With Turnall or Hockey in charge, they can sleep easy at night, know the sun will rise tomorrow.