Further to this morning’s story about Alexander Downer’ imminent (and highly anticipated) departure from politics, the member for Mayo has smacked down Senator Nick Minchin for prematurely blowing his load.

“Nick Minchin’s suggestion that I am retiring is presumptuous,” [Downer] said.

“I have made no decision as to my future. When I do make a decision, as to whether I stay or leave politics, I will announce it myself and it will not be a matter for other politicians.”

And thank god Dolly’s going to stick around because the panda has no greater friend.

Well I think South Australia is the big loser in the budget for a lot of reasons… Funding for the Adelaide Zoo so it can house the pandas which would be a great tourist attraction has not been provided. This is despite the fact that Mr Rudd indicated that the $5 million would be found when he was in China recently.

I suppose backbenchers are forced to focus on more mundane provincial issues like zoo enclosures after they are unceremoniously dumped from their globetrotting Foreign Ministry positions.

Oh, but hang on. Alexander’s found a way to sneak some commentary about international relations into a bitch about zoo funding.

The pandas are great for tourism and they have been good for our relationship with China of course. It has been a symbol of our relationship with China. The new Rudd Labor government apparently doesn’t think it is important…

Don’t go, Alexander! Your country (and the panda) needs you.