What a load of bovine droppings. I am usually fairly protective of our politicians and reckon most of them go into public office for the right reasons. That is, until they get ground into the dust by the party system.

I have known many fine politicians in my time as a journalist, such as Brendan Nelson and Fiona Nash.

I would like to add a few Labor politicians to that list but I have never had the opportunity to meet many of them.

The display put on by the conservatives – especially Julie Bishop – in defence of Barnaby Joyce was nauseating.

And was only payback for the self-righteousness of the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull when the Greens found themselves in trouble.

But who really gives a rodent’s rectum if Joyce has some sort of distant relationship with New Zealand.

I can understand the internment of people of German and Japanese descent during World War II, as unfair as it might have been in some cases.

But New Zealand? Really? Although I wouldn’t mind if we locked up just a few of the All Blacks the moment they hit Australian soil.

If there is a problem with the situation and the Australian constitution, then refer the matter to the High Court and move on. 

I can’t see there is any need for anyone to stand down until then, especially if they renounce their foreign citizenship and can stand again at the next election.

And what is the difference between the man in the street and politicians? Why do we allow dual citizenship for them and not the pollies? Oh, that’s right, the Australian constitution.

Well, let’s change the bloody thing at the next opportunity and get rid of the right to have dual citizenship.

So far as I’m concerned, if you live in this country for more than five years you should be required to drop your foreign citizenship and only have Australian citizenship.

And that includes all other countries. Xenophobic, a bit too Hansonesque? Maybe.

But if you live in this country and enjoy all it has to offer, then I reckon you owe a duty of loyalty to it.

Even if it means you are not able to enter another country more easily because you have two passports.

Hey bro, surely we have a lot more to be worried about as to whether or not Barney has some sort of distant relationship with the Land of The Long White Cloud.

How about the cost of living – especially energy costs? Or unemployment rates, no matter how the latest figures are interpreted. And what about the truth of climate change? Or a fairer tax system?

The poor old ABC seems to always be under attack, but the truth is it plays a vital role in our democratic processes – especially against the excesses of the Murdoch press.

And how do we save agriculture from its boom or bust cycle?

They reckon we get the politicians we deserve. But if that is true of the current lot then we are doing something terribly wrong.

Maybe the solution lies in voting in more independents or minor parties.

But whatever the answer is, we need to move quickly and be ready to make a difference at the next federal election.