The vote is under way, and the Caucus members have entered the Party room. I can think of at least half a dozen members of the Caucus I’d prefer to either of the candidates. Nevertheless, of the two I’d prefer to go with the erratic Latham in the hope that he’ll somehow turn up trumps as leader.

On the main issue of disagreement between the two, tax cuts vs public spending, I agree with Beazley not Latham. But I think Beazley had his chance to take a firm stand on this in 2001 and, as on every other issue, muffed it.