In Favour of the “Democratic Monarchy”

During Margaret Throsby’s interview with the former NSW Governor, Marie Bashir comments how much it had been her privilege to welcome not only the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to the State but also “Prince Charles and his lovely wife.” When questioned if she had any republican tendencies, she demurred but added “we have been well served by the ‘democratic monarchy’ since 1788”. So that makes it clear where her appointment as a Dame by the Queen has its origins in contrast to former G-G Quentin Bryce who had no problems foreshadowing her republican sentiments at the conclusion of her term (see News Item of 22 November 2013).  Dame Marie also observed she thought it was useful to have a senior person in government free from political affiliation. This is exactly what a President would do as head of state, especially an elected head of state with defined powers and roles. [Midday Interview, ABC Classic FM, 12 noon, 29 July 2015]