It is strange how monarchists like Robert Brown (letter, South China Morning Post, December 10), drag Her Majesty into Australia's republican debate.
Perhaps monarchists believe that republicans will withdraw rather than appear churlish in rejecting a much-liked and respected elderly lady.
Such a tactic ignores the absurdity that a foreign monarch is Australian head of state, a fact which proves an embarrassment to many Australians, like myself, who live abroad.
Reliable research and reputable polls indicate a majority of Australians desire and anticipate a future republic. Our rejection of the referendum on the issue was more a rejection of the likely model than support for a monarchy.
Unlike Robert Brown, many Australians welcome the opinions and comments of non-Australian residents, possibly because republicans are more open to debate and more accepting of constructive criticism.
TERENCE O'ROURKE
