X-Cons aren't biting. But just because rely on the benefits of the sun and the rain it doesn't mean we tear the roof off our house or throw away our hat. Some politicians think they can channel the anger of Jurassics away from the process of economic reform and towards cultural and social issues. It's a short term strategy which can only last as long as the generation it's aimed at. Things may be out of control now but the X-Cons can afford to be patient.
Time is on their side.
As to amusement from reading McLickspittle, I am always astounded at how he can start anywhere, on any subject, and somehow, in the last 50 words, manage to blame the left of the Labor party. It is like a watching a conjurer. As to the conservative columnists losing their grip, I have noticed an increasing number of columns that replace argument with invective. So opponents of orthodox economics become stupid, or ignorant, or malicious or whatever, and politicians become cowardly, or foolish. Methinks they hear the murmur of barbarians at the gate in the night.