Vic wrote on Jan 9
th, 2016 at 3:03pm:
The more the focus remains on Abbott, the weaker Turnbull's senior leadership group will become. Either promote the man back into the ministry and give him a single focus or, let him remain on the backbench making public comments and risk more leaks and white anting.
Abbott is a fool, was the worst PM we have ever had, and was/will be a terrible choice for a representative position BUT, it is fairly obvious he will not resign or stand aside for another candidate at this year's election. So Turnbull is stuck with him and, he is dangerous to the Coalition. Time to act Turnbull - you options are limited, but the man is slowly pulling your party apart - he has too much power as a pleb, he is in the news too much, even MORE than members of your own front bench - show some leadership
What are his options without Abbott co-operation or submission? Certainly he will not give Abbott a seat in Cabinet. Forget that.
He cannot dis-endorse Abbott, but he can apply pressure with the Libs to make it known internally that he wants Abbott out.
If that fails, he can go public and state it clearly that Abbott is not welcome in Parliament.
Or......go to Abbott with some bribe.......some choice appointment and hope Abbott takes it. I reckon Turnbull will not do that, and even if he did, Abbott would not accept it.
Abbott knows he is on a potential winner if he stays pat and that is what he will do. Turnbull will not opt for the all out public War, even though he would ultimately win it....but, at enormous cost.
It would be easier if the numbers were not as tight as they are. It only needs five changed votes in the Party Room for Turnbull to lose.
Juicy stuff.