Harvey Hodder today took it upon himself to close the galleries to the House of Assembly indefinitely in response to the disruptions that have been taking place.
This has been going on for maybe three weeks of sitting days.
Three days was too long.
Hodder has looked indecisive and decidedly nervous both in the House and in recent television interviews. Today's decree is too little, too late.
As a result of today's decision, the Opposition parties have walked out looking for a way to fight the Speaker's decree.
Here's an idea.
Move a motion of no confidence in the Speaker. It will be defeated but it will send a powerful message to a Speaker who lacks the control over the House and its business the legislature needs to function properly.
As for the Opposition, they should also chastise themselves for letting the House be hijacked by outside interests. They have turned a blind eye to this crab protest solely for its political value That is no excuse or reason.
They are quick to point the finger at government members, but truthfully, every one of the 48 members of the House are complicit in the surrendering control of the legislature to outside pressure groups.
If someone came into the galleries with a pistol, the members would figure out pretty quickly what to do.
Irrespective of the cause, there is no justification for seizing control of the House by any means.
Any member of the House who has willingly surrendered control of the House ought to resign.
Let's elect people to the legislature who have some respect for our democratic traditions.
Let's get some people in the House who are willing to put partisan interests aside when fundamental interests are at stake.
At the very least, let's start by finding a Speaker who can handle the job.
Harvey obviously can't cut it.
