Elections can bring out the best - and the worst - in people. Sometimes the most sincere oratory is reserved for a concession speech, such as Josh Frydenberg as he anticipated defeat on Saturday night.
He eloquently reminded us that public office is a privilege bestowed by the people, not a right, and that it involves personal sacrifice, usually in the amount of time spent with families or loved ones.
On the debit side, there was appalling behaviour by supporters of some Goldstein candidates who thought vandalising the home of the sitting MP was an acceptable method of political expression.
For the bulk of the electorate, however, we are just glad it is over. The good, the bad, the boring and the totally maddening. After six weeks of name-calling, sledges and slogans, rather than policy, the outcome was predictable - a record low primary vote for major parties and a surge to independents.
A return to civility and respect would better serve all candidates - and their supporters - come the next election. The people are not mugs.
Candidates should remember that while it is fine to have an agenda, as did a number of independents, those successful have a duty to represent the interests of constituents, not to merely beat an ideological drum in Canberra.
.
