Peter Costello writes a column for the Fairfax papers today. In it, he tries desperately to justify his political existence over the past decade-and-a-bit and shift the goalposts on the judgement of his legacy.

Which is the true test of political success, the office or the outcome?

Well, Peter, I would say the outcome is important, but so is one’s willingness to grab hold of an opportunity when it is presented to them. You know you lacked the balls, and you’re also aware that history will record that fact for posterity. Deal.