Defending the climbers

If the Prime Ministerial minders are slow in grasping the potential votes in attacking rev heads, they certainly are not slow in coming to the defence of the Uluru climbers. No sooner had a National Parks official suggested, ever so tentatively, that perhaps, maybe, sometime down the track, if everyone thought it was a good idea, the walk up Uluru rock might be closed, than our man in Rome took time off from his chat with the Pope to declare “no way Jose”. Speaking on 3AW from Italy this morning, Prime Minister Rudd said a management plan for Uluru was necessary to preserve the landmark, but climbing it should not be banned.

Failing to mention Mary. You have to wonder, incidentally, whether Kevin Rudd and the Pope were at the same meeting in Rome. According to the Australian Prime Minister there was much discussions about Sainthood and Mother Mary McKillop. And the talks according to His Holiness?

The Holy See Press Office released the following communique at midday today:

Today, 9 July, the Holy Father received in audience Kevin Rudd, prime minister of Australia, who subsequently went on to meet with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B.

During the cordial discussions mention was made of the Holy Father’s trip to Sydney in July 2008 for World Youth Day, recollecting the great spirit of collaboration between the ecclesiastical and civil authorities that characterised the organisation of that event. Attention also focused on the current international and regional situation, with reference to both respect for religious liberty and environmental problems.

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