It is imperative in a complex world that national leaders be neo-Bonapartists, i.e. independent political actors who are not captive to vested interests. A wide range of leadership examples is analysed by Dr. David Paul Bennett to convey the contemporary importance of neo-Bonapartism.

I hoped we’d be spared the image of Kevin Rudd’s church lych gate interviews this election round but no, there he is again, seeking “a bit of divine solace” at St John’s Church in Canberra (The Australian 15/8).

The unfortunate fall of the Gillard government probably places Australia back on course to becoming a rentier state with the exodus of moderates from the ALP. The question therefore emerges as to whether Kevin Rudd or Malcolm Turnbull will either allow or oppose Australia succumbing to rent-seeking.

Count Leo Tolstoy (1828 to 1910) said that all his thinking could be summarized on the basis that if corrupt people united then good people should do the same- that it was as simple as that!

I feel for Tasmanians being ruled, not by the Government they thought they elected, but rather by the “special interest group” Emily’s List.