I spent many years as a member of the Liberal Party and have always supported it since 1970. I still support the NSW Liberals. However, loyalty to a party is misguided when the party radically shifts its position. One either has to be true to one's own political ideals or follow the party line like a parrot. I choose the former.
The Federal Liberal Party is no longer Liberal. It changed direction and became a far right ultra-conservative party the day they elected Abbott. Within months of him becoming Leader of the Opposition my judgement was forming about Abbott's personal character and ability - and in my opinion he is a political ignoramus who is not fit to lead the Liberal Party.
So, for the first time in 44 years I could not vote Liberal at the last election and after winning power he confirmed that my fears were correct, by packing his cabinet with smug ultra-conservative, cold-hearted, all male (except one), pro-religion, scientificly illiterate reactionaries.
I will resume supporting the Liberal Party when Abbott is gone and when it resumes being a liberal party.
The opinion polls currently have the ALP as favourites to win an election, if one was held now. How can this be? Labor was absolutely routed only nine months ago! How is it possible for them to rebound so quickly, so soon, against the odds? It couldn't possibly be due to Bill Shorten's charismatic persona and it's certainly not because they've come up with any fantastic new policies. Only Tony Abbott's appalling leadership could have brought about such an astonishing Labor renaissance.
Abbott has hijacked the Liberal Party and turned it into something more like the DLP or Family First or Nile's Christian Democrats and I would not contemplate supporting any of those, neither will I vote for him.