Surely this is the dumbest thing he has ever said.

Julia Gillard has proved she has what it takes to mix it with the boys when it comes to dirty politics.

She has risen to the top of the shambling mess that is the federal Labor Party. She became prime minister by stabbing her colleague in the back and has survived, I believe, on slick manoeuvres and dodgy political deals ever since.

I believe it’s every other politician who needs protection from Julia Gillard. What a role model for all young women who have ambitions of power. Julia Gillard has shown them the way. She is a political Amazon.

Patrick Kiem

Wallsend