Allison Henry, the national director of the Australian Republic Movement had one of those characteristically, ill-humoured pieces in the Oz this morning that always manages to reduce the Republican cause to a joyless, lemon-lipped bitchslap.
Harry “Blue” Windsor is plainly entitled to come here, she generously conceded but not if it’s going to cost the Australian taxpayer 600 grand yada, yada, yada.
Whether or not the suspiciously well-rounded figure of $600,000 represents anything like the costs involved in providing Australian security coverage, remains a mystery. I’ve yet to see anything approaching a detailed costing analysis and given the nature of the VIP protection beast, I’m not holding my breath for disclosure anytime soon.
What should be obvious is that Australian security services will inevitably have to be engaged with the presence of a Person of Note like Harry. Whether or not Harry should be a Person of Note is scarcely the point. He is. That’s that. Were Harry to become the target of those with less than benevolent intention towards him, the costs to Australia’s reputation, on many different levels, would make $600,000 look like depressingly small change.
Thus, the rationale for “protecting” Harry has bugger-all to do with covering him ultimately. It’s much more about covering us – the arse in particular.
fine we protect him and his mum can pay for it afterall we didn’t invite him.
Geoff, whaddya mean, *ill-humoured*? I thought the point about schoolies week was quite funny. In fact, if Harry comes and takes part in the real schoolies week I would happily pay for his protection, providing we all get see photos of him: lying unconscious in a pool of his own vomit (doesn’t he have form on this already)?, partaking of a bong, and getting humped by a Gold Coast hooker.
Homer – His mum’s dead. Isn’t there something in the bible about a synergy between lack of hospitality and turning into a pillar of salt? Careful not to look behind you ;)
Dave – I sincerely hope he plays up bigtime, though his chances of doing so will no doubt be constrained by the constant presence of a bunch of blokes talking into their lapels. Whatever, I’m picking that New Idea’s first “Harry’s Aussie True Love Shock!” issue will be in the checkout racks at Coles by the end of the month.
Agree with Dave and Geoff. Let’s give him a good seeing to. This RWDB enthusiatically agreeing on something, there’s nowt like Royalty to unite the country.
Looks like the function of the royal family has permanently shifted from providing the Head of State to providing mediagenic scandals.
If we can get the Poms to pay for the stories, Australia might make a profit on the visit.
I’ll look after him for a more competitive figure. As an added bonus, I’ll show him where all the good tarts are in Perth. ASIO, you can email me at my website.
I sincerely hope he plays up bigtime
He seems to manage it from time to time in England. I’m sure he will find people in Australia who will help him.