Australian media scorn Prince Philip 'Knightmare'

[T_i_B]

Could have been worse. You could have been the ones who made him a Duke!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-30996110

The Australian press has expressed scorn and bewilderment over PM Tony Abbott's awarding of a knighthood to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

Mr Abbott announced the news that Queen Elizabeth II's husband would receive the country's top honour on 26 January - Australia's national day.

He said the Prince's life of "service and dedication" should be honoured. But many commentators say the move raises grave questions about Mr Abbott's judgement.

Mr Abbott re-introduced knighthood and damehood honours last year, nearly 20 years after they had been discontinued.

[MisterP]

1. only if he accepts it in person, and is encouraged to say EXACTLY what he thinks of Abbott

[Matilda]

2. Tony has finally proven beyond doubt that he's stark, staring bonkers.

The only worse thing he might have done would have been to have made Murdoch a knight. Thank Heaven for small mercies.

But there's a strong feeling that he'll be rolled before the next election. Even some rusted-on Libs are becoming increasingly frustrated with his inept leadership.

The only negative thing about that is that someone like Malcolm Turnbull would be a greater threat to Labor. Abbott is currently their biggest asset, given that Opposition Leader Bill Shorten is somewhat lacking in charisma.

[Fairgo]

3. Whatever wakes folks up

Tony guts education and defunds the peak orgs for people with disabilities. Have not heard the hew and cry over these attacks on civil society for the clamour over titles and trinkets. If this moves the people to change the government, good enough...but lets make sure addresses substantive change, nit just the colour of our medals.

[Matilda]

4. Abbott's cuts to social services

Cuts to social services have definitely concerned the left ever since he took power and started breaking all promises made to the contrary. Social media hasn't stopped raising these issues.

The difference between these issues and the knighthood for a man who already has more titles and honours than most of us can count, is that this has crossed the boundary line between left and right. Only die-hard monarchists agree with Abbott's choice. Most Australians are over Imperial honours by now, and the whole concept is ludicrous to the majority.

We can only wonder what goes on in what passes for a mind with Abbott.

[mackerel]

5. Maybe Abbott was out sick in school the day they taught

monarchy order.

[Matilda]

6. He's really British.

Born in U.K. of an English father and Australian mother; came here as a child. Took Australian citizenship, and has dual nationality still – or so it is believed. Explains why he's so besotted with the monarchy and all the trappings of traditional monarchist power.

There is a law that says that anybody who works for the Australian government, at any level, cannot have dual nationality, so Abbott should have renounced his British citizenship. However, there is no record in British files to show this, and Abbott has steadfastly refused to answer any questions about if, or when, he renounced his Brit. nationality. You'd think that if he could produce the certificate, he would.

According to law, if he didn't he should resign immediately and also pay back all the money he has ever received since he was first elected to parliament.

People have hesitated to pursue it, because nobody wants to appear like the Obama birth nutters, but it really does appear to be very suspicious. Obama's birth certificate has been produced; Abbott's renunciation certificate never has.

Interesting, eh?