Senior Liberal Senator Anne Ruston has declared that her party possesses the capability to secure victory in a federal election independently, without relying on its traditional junior coalition partner. The remarks were made during a candid interview on Sky News this Sunday morning, where Ruston reflected on the political landscape and the future of the Coalition.
Historical Precedent and Political Flexibility
Ruston, who described herself as a committed "coalitionist," emphasised that historical evidence supports the Liberal Party's potential to stand alone if circumstances demand it. "I think you've only got to look at history," she stated, pointing to past instances where the party has succeeded without coalition support. When pressed on whether the Liberals could "win just as the Liberal Party," Ruston responded with a pragmatic outlook: "It's happened before, Andrew, and I think the one thing that we've learnt in politics is that you never say never, things change very, very quickly."
Focus on Credible Opposition and Public Certainty
According to Ruston, the paramount objective for the Coalition at present is to deliver stability and assurance to the Australian electorate by presenting a robust and credible opposition. She underscored the importance of this role in maintaining public trust during turbulent political times.
Strong Endorsement of Sussan Ley's Leadership
In the same interview, Ruston offered unwavering support for Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, praising her performance amidst challenging conditions. "I think Sussan has been doing an amazing job of being leader in the toughest time I can remember in parliament," Ruston remarked. She acknowledged that leading in opposition is inherently difficult, adding, "I don't think it's particularly unusual that there are always great challenges at this time."
Ruston's comments highlight a strategic contemplation within the Liberal Party about its electoral prospects and coalition dynamics, suggesting a readiness to adapt to the rapidly evolving political environment.
