It has been suggested that Prince William has been dropping hints that he would like to be appointed governor general of Australia. This follows a similar approach by his father, Prince Charles many years ago.
The idea has been firmly rejected by monarchist John Howard, just as Republican Bob Hawke vetoed any idea of a similar appointment for the Prince of Wales at an earlier time.
It is understandable that younger Royals would welcome a breath of fresh air from the cloying,class ridden English society in which they live - but the era when the job of governor general was reserved for some titled Pom has long passed.
There is every liklihood that a renewed push for this country to become a republic and drop the monarchy is in the offing. There will be a general election later this year - and if republican minded Kevin Rudd wins office it is almost certain that one result will be a new referendum to decide that question.
The last referendum was lost 45/55 - but the result was skewed by the choice of who would be governor general being left for politicians to decide. This was totally unacceptable to the general public who very clearly made it known that such an office would be decided by the people casting a vote for their person of choice.
Should a referendum be held with the choice of governor general decided by popular vote it is almost certain that a republican majority would romp home.
Few have any quarrel with our present queen and most agree that she does a good job, but the idea of being subject to a monarch who lives thousands of miles away - and is not even a citizen of this country - is both quaint and against the evolvement of Australia as a sovereign nation.
The post of governor general is the highest this land has to offer. Surely it should be available to one of our own who can claim that honour by popular vote !
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