The Red Queen

Quoted in The Observer, Phillip Benwell (whom I know very slightly) of the Australian Monarchist Association indicates that he would rather see the cost of a republic referendum (it’s one of those “we’ll make you keep doing it until you give the right answer” ones, like Scottish independence, or a united Ireland, or anything to do with the EU), or indeed of a republic itself, spent on healthcare and education.

Quite. In Britain and Australia alike, which matters more? Healthcare and education? Or giving a late-middle-aged, upper-middle-class white man with extensive political connections the opportunity to bask in his own vanity? If the latter, then how can you possibly claim to be in any sense on the Left?

Because that it is what the President of either Britain or Australia would always, always be: a late-middle-aged, upper-middle-class white man with extensive political connections. No one could ever actually become President without the support of one of the major parties, nor even get onto the ballot without the nominations of a certain number of MPs, which would amount to the same thing. And at least in Britain they would simply alternate the position by means of a gentlemen’s agreement.

God Save The Queen.