What a tumultuous couple of weeks in the US! First, Donald Trump gets a huge fillip from his gutsy display of defiance after being shot in the ear, and now poor old Joe Biden does the sensible thing and quits the race.

Whilst I do not agree with some of his policies and actions, Joe Biden retires from the stage after a half-decade of serving his country and party loyally and effectively. He deserves to have a peaceful and well-earned retirement. His economic and US-based policies were not marvellous, but he supported as best he could the two democracies that have faced existential danger in recent years: Israel and especially Ukraine. I hope President Trump surprises us all and does the same should he be successful in the November election. Thanks for your service, Joe.

On a local note, this will be my last column for at least three months, as I have succumbed to my party’s requests that I stand again for the October local elections. I must say, were my late wife Shirley still alive, I would not be standing, as I would be spending all the quality time I had with her. Sadly, Shirley died in October 2022, and I certainly now have the time to have a run at the Assembly.

Politics is a tough gig, but I do think I can still add value to the place if I were selected to represent the people of Ginninderra again. It doesn’t have to be me who gets in for the Belco Party, and I’d be delighted if my colleague, the effervescent Alan Tutt, who is also running for Ginninderra, got in instead.

The debate on various issues that I have covered in my opinion pieces has often been vigorous, and, I note from some letters, even involved a bit of name-calling. That has never worried me, and I respect everyone’s opinion, no matter how much I might disagree with it, even if it’s a bit rude. That’s the beauty of our democracy.

I especially thank the people who have taken the time to elaborate on their views and sent me private emails on their thoughts.

My favourite lot of emails sent to this publication were the ones in support of local hero vet Jan Spate, and they are being used to support her friends’ efforts in seeking well-earned recognition for her selfless work with animals.

Whilst I’ve copped a bit of abuse at times, no-one has ever gone overboard, and the exchanges between various email writers, whilst sometimes vigorous, have always been within the best Australian tradition of respecting each other’s right to free speech. It’s a precious right we must guard fiercely. I hope to continue writing after the local elections – probably just as ‘Fit the Bill’, but who knows? It may be as an MLA (although I would not hold my breath on that).

Thanks to all the readers of “Fit the Bill”, and especially thanks to the Weekly for allowing me to write a column.