Is an early election looming in
the Apple Isle? There are hints in the Hobart Mercury
this morning – along with the news that the local Libs are preparing by
ripping themselves to pieces. Both the party president, Carol
Humphreys, and state director, Peter Skillern, have walked – and both
are refusing to express their support for leader Rene Hidding.

The party divisions were further
highlighted this morning when shadow treasurer Brett Whitely appeared with Tim
Cox on ABC radio to express the party’s total support for Hidding. Local meeja really want to speak
to the wannabe leader, Will Hodgman, but he is being heavied by Hidding’s
office. Indeed, it’s said that Hidding’s staff are even refusing to issue his
media releases for fear of provoking matters further.

After a few very strong weeks in
the media spotlight, Hodgman has hardly been seen over the last week. He is
being punished for apparently breaking ranks last week and publicly criticising
a Hidding attack on Tasmania’s business community. The conservative Whitely is a
strong Hidding supporter, but entertains leadership ambitions of his own.

It
is pretty clear where all this is headed.