I’ve never met Bob Katter and I’ve barely written about him.

So I was surprised when checking my September weblogs that the colourful North Queensland Independent MP – one of three independents who currently hold the future of the Australian Government in their hands – is by far this month’s number one search phrase for visitors arriving at this blog. He’s way ahead, outdoing luminaries such as Kaiser Wilhelm and Julia Gillard and much higher even than the delectable Julie Christie.

Bob Katter: hatless in Canberra

Right now, Bob Katter is defintely ‘the man’, as the Irish say. Like Bob Oakshott and Tony Windsor, the other two independents yet to declare their hand, he appears to be playing political poker with considerable skill.

Some journalists, especially nasty types in News Corp, thumped their feet on the ground in the days following the inconclusive August 21st election, demanding a rapid decision from politicians holding the balance of power. The loss of their own political influence to a handful of well-respected, very independent politicians was probably not to their liking. Realising in the end screeching is just as likely to be counter-productive, most of them have quietened down. Today it’s almost eerie. Journalistic chatter has subsided. It’s like the hush before a showing of cards.

Meanwhile, Kaiser Wilhelm rests in peace. Bart and Marge continue to fascinate the sexually curious. Benjamin Yahoo remains Prime Minister of Rothschildistan.

And after 24 years, whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu is still not free.