Mark Vaile no loss

July 19, 2008, 2:19pm,  162 views

The National Party has struggled for leadership since the days of Doug Anthony and arguably Ian Sinclair.

A lot of people were big wraps for Tim Fischer, and while charismatic he didn’t improve the party’s fortunes.

The main problem has been the Nationals’ slavish devotion to the Liberal Party and a continuing Coalition in Opposition.

The stints in Opposition were when the old-time Country Party differentiated themselves from the city conservatives.

That hasn’t happened for decades. Combined with changing demographic trends and a lack of talent in the parliamentary party and you have a recipe for decline.

Warren Truss isn’t the answer. There doesn’t appear to be anyone in Canberra capable of saving the Nationals from themselves.

Maybe Darren Chester will grow into the role.

As for Mark Vaile’s retirement from politics, announced today, the pity is he didn’t act sooner.