The Gisborne Herald has an interesting letter to the editor today regarding republicanism in Australia:
Kevin Rudd is certainly the "action man" of Australian politics. He has just brought hundreds of Australian leaders, in a myriad of fields, to his 2020 Australian summit and has promised to deal with many of their recommendations. Of course, one of his most recent moves has been to appoint the first woman Governor General of Australia who takes office soon for a period of five years. She may be the last Governor General, for Kevin Rudd is an ardent Republican.
The Republican movement is strong in Australia (all those convict Irishmen and Englishmen perhaps?) Much stronger than here with our strong Scottish influence. Many Australians don't think that a King or Queen of Britain living on the other side of the earth has much relevance to a completely different country in many respects.
There is a lingering recognition for Queen Elizabeth who has been on the British throne since 1953 who looks as though she will live for several years. She shows no sign of abdicating and passing the crown to her eldest son Charles, who would become Charles 111. Her death could become a signal for a change to a Republic of Australia. Because like me, many Australians look upon Charles with distaste -- particularly his conduct during his first marriage. There is no way I could respect such a man or regard him as my King.
Mervyn Bradley
A good letter overall (aside from the personal attack on Prince Charles), but a couple of points to make:
- Charles has said he wants to be George VI, not Charles III
- New Zealand shouldn't become a republic just because we don't like the Royals.
