I am not so sanguine as to Turnbull’s political capabilities. For a bloke with his previous stature and experience he has not been able to gain any traction agaist Rudd. He can’t seem to make up his mind whether he is a small ‘l’ Liberal or not – somewhat like one of our lesser quality PM’s, Malcolm Fraser. In regard to the ETS I suggest that he should swallow his pride (probably the hardest thing for him to do) disregard earlier election statements and join with the Nationals to oppose it. There are sound national interest reasons for such a course and that is almost reason enough for it to be followed. Although unlike the Nationals to date he would also need good alternative polices and approaches of which there are a few – at least it would get him out of the ‘wedge’. I remain unimpressed with his performace (and that of his main chosen Ministers) when, as you suggest, there are ample opportunities to make some telling points against Rudd and which he/they has/have failed to do. Its time too for a hint of future Liberal policies to begin to emerge – perhaps the recent IR comments are a start here but again not well handled – not thought through in regard to presentation and detail requiring further explanation as the Rudd onslaught descended as well it might have been expected to do so. I will await further outcomes.