Both had begun their political careers as members of the National Party but had subsequently become Independent, and most of the nation expected that they would join the "third amigo", Bob Katter, and put Tony Abbott into the Lodge.

National Party supporters, who are intensely loyal, will never forgive them for doing the unexpected and handing power to the left.

For me it was a simple choice borne out by the tide of subsequent events.

Tony Abbott would have made a bad PM and his continuing personal venom continues to pollute our nation to this day.

However, to fully understand Oakeshott's dilemma and the choice that he finally made after an infamous 17 days and 17 minutes, you need to read his autobiography.

It is a fascinating account of the politics of that time that castes a long shadow over our Federal election in 2019.

The Rob Oakeshott of 2019 is a more cautious and measured candidate.

He suffered defeat in 2016, his first ever in six attempts to represent an electorate. For this election he has assembled a cohort of more than 500 backers in Cowper with whom he has promised to consult in the event of another hung parliament.

The more likely scenario is that he will join a significant block of Independents on the floor of a Shorten Labor government where his experience, intelligence and strong community roots will prove to be of incalculable value.

Max Brinsmead

Five Islands Drive

Korora