The long reign of one of the most successful conservative leaders in recent times, John Howard, has come to an end in Australia. The November election there brought the much more liberal Kevin Rudd to power. In its wake there are already calls for a referendum with a view to instituting a republic and saying farewell to the queen.

Although this new Australian government has pledged to continue cordial relations with America, it reportedly opposes further involvement in Iraq. John Howard, "the man of steel," will be missed by President Bush.