Those people rusted on to the other mob, who will never, ever, support the policies of the other side no matter what.

Julia Gillard copped it towards the end of her tenure and Tony Abbott has been copping it since the start of his.

However, there can be little sympathy for a prime minister who drops an almighty clanger by recommending, on Australia Day, a British royal be knighted.

Many Australians genuinely thought they were being trolled by satirists when they heard Mr Abbott had recommended the Queen's consort Prince Philip be knighted.

This is the person who asked Aborigines if they still threw spears at each other and suggested a group of English students risked becoming "slitty-eyed" if they studied in China much longer.

It is funny to pass these gaffes off as the faux pas of a doddery old uncle, but they speak to a deeper sense of entitlement and elitism.

They are not the ideals of a modern, enlightened and egalitarian society, which Australians hold dear.

Mr Abbott can point to Prince Philip's long life of service and connection to Australia through the Duke of Edinburgh Awards as justification for the honour.

However, there would still be those in his own party questioning Mr Abbott's perspicacity over the selection. Even many staunch monarchists questioned the soundness of the move.

Others suggested it was some cunning political distraction - but from what? People enjoying their national day? It overshadowed the well-deserved recognition of former Defence Force chief Angus Houston.

But the real shame is it spoiled the announcement the day before of Australian of the Year recipients.

Mr Abbott's "captain's pick" has backfired sensationally, yet also predictably, and there will be many Liberals now privately questioning the leadership of their party.