John Howard’s acceptance speech nearly drove me insane. I've never been as angry about politics. As if a huge swing in the House of Reps and – shock horror – a majority in the Senate wasn’t enough, our beloved Prime Minister had the audacity to thank Australians for trusting him. Trust! He also mentioned the word ‘tolerance’ in conjunction with the contemporary Australia he’s created in the image of the 1950’s. His sheer gall was unbelievable. The only small saving grace in a very, very dark picture is the fact that 3 years of uninhibited Coalition rule should (hopefully) dispel the smoke and mirrors.

But first, cross media laws? What, you mean market impediments? Goodbye, independent Fairfax, one of the Howard government’s most dogged critics. It’s a pity he can’t risk the backlash of privatising the ABC and outsource dissent.

And for those worried about the appearance of the dreaded religious ‘far right’ (in the guise of Family First), don’t stress. Most of their social policies are far more small l liberal than the Coalition’s, save gay marriage. What a turn of events.