You need less money, more common sense

On the other hand, not all Liberal Leader/ Gabriel interactions are so cordial. In this case, orange cordial. ...Twelve?!

Now, if you need a break from British tabloids fretting about Maddie, you can turn to Australian tabloids fretting about Maddi:

Greg Stolz, "Maddison Gabriel causes fashion storm", Brisbane Courier-Mail (Friday 14 September 2007)

The 12-year-old girl chosen as the face of a Gold Coast fashion event
says she fits into women's clothes, so she should be allowed to model them.

O-kayyy... That's a novel interpretation of "theology of the body": that it can't be wrong if you're physically capable of doing it.

This is no so much Thomistic as Emma Tom-istic reasoning ("I've personally some really cool people who engage in X, so how can X possibly be wrong?") .

Prime Minister John Howard has led a chorus of criticism of the choice of Maddison Gabriel, who turns 13 on Sunday, as the face of the inaugural Gold Coast Fashion Week.

"Just because something may not be technically illegal, doesn't mean it's morally right", Mr Howard grimaced . "I, urr, make no apologies, Kerry, for having stood steadfastly by that principle throughout my political career."

The Hillcrest Christian College Year 8 student told Channel Seven that she was the right model for the job.

What's the bet that school bans Harry Potter books?

UPDATE: Okay - thirteen now. Now that it's been established that making light of child abuse won't disqualify you from political leadership (at least if you're not Alexander Downer), maybe Peter Hollingworth could re-apply for the GG-ship now?

UPDATE 2: "Model's mum seeks apology from PM", Melbourne Age (Sunday 16 September 2007)

Seeking an apology from John Howard. Now there's a productive use of one's vocal cords.

UPDATE 2: A National/ Liberal united front, as supermodel Kristy Hinze agrees with Howard:

"I think that's awful," Hinze said. "Gee, I was a baby at 15 when I started, but 12? That's taking it to a whole new level. I don't care what she looks like... It is an adults['] world and adult products she is selling ... that is quite sick actually."

Good to see the House of Hinze still upholding its family tradition of staunchly opposing all attempts to commodify or cheapen the Gold Coast.