Good riddance

John Richardson writes: Re. “Abbott’s wacky adventures in self-absolution” (yesterday). So, Crikey would have the “legend-in-his-own-mind”, former Prime Preanster Abbott the Hutt, return to Oz to serve his constituents in his taxpayer-funded role. Not so fast Boss: let’s be grateful for small mercies and celebrate the fact that he’s “over there” and not “over here”. In fact, Malcolm could end our national embarrassment by terminating the wretched fool’s Australian citizenship, leaving him free to frolic with Phil the Greek and the rest of the “would-be-if-they-could-be” set, captive of memories of Margaret Thatcher and the rancid smell of empire’s lost. It’s never too late.

On Nauru

Peter Matters writes: Re: “For refugees like Abyan, Nauru even worse than detention” (yesterday). The government and Transfield have left no stone unturned to describe the situation of the refugees in Nauru as one of thoroughly acceptable humanity, in stark contrast to a freelance journalist’s report. In general terms it is difficult to believe in government  reporting and if they have a clearly vested interest in painting a pleasant picture, it makes it even more difficult.