What Australian papers say today, April 1, 2002
SYDNEY, April 1 AAP - The Queen Mother's death offers us a chance to reflect on the20th century and the role of the monarchy in the new century, The Australian says in itseditorial today.
It is now bereft of one of its most popular figures and Australia, and its future ismore uncertain.
From Prince Charles down, the royal family is not held in nearly as high affectionas the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II, the newspaper says.
"Ultimately, historians may conclude the problematic purpose of the monarchy in themodern world contributed in part to the personal unhinging of the younger generationof royals.
"So the passing of the Queen Mother, and the remaining years of her daughter, standtestament to a worthy institution of times past."
The Sydney Morning Herald says the death of the Queen Mother has left a deep senseof loss not only in Britin but throughout a world which marvelled at her stamina, applaudedher service and saluted her humility and sense of purpose.
"In short, hers was the single greatest contribution throughout the 20th century tothe popularity of the British royals," it says.
She possessed an informality that wrong-footed many who met her. She was not stuffyand aloof but enthusiastic and animated about people and issues.
"And to those who criticised her for liking the occasional whisky or gin in her later life?
"She lived to be 101. End of story," the Herald says.
The vivid link which the Queen Mother provided to an earlier England is broken, TheDaily Telegraph says.
Yet Britons may feel themselves proud to have lived through such and era when one amongthem provided a light of constancy, hope and warmth of spirit for all times, it says.
"Today, there will be many Australians who share the sorrow endured on this day inEngland, for they too will feel the loss of one who was a beacon of courage and a symbolof royal permanence.
"She will be deeply missed, but the memory of a great and gracious queen is carvedin our history."
The Herald-Sun says with the Queen Mother's death, we lose an endearing and enduringlink to the most threatening and heroic times of the past century.
"The Queen Mother lived into the 21st century as an embodiment of sacrifice and duty,qualities which never date," the newspaper says.
"The Queen, 75, now almost alone carries the burden of retaining royalty's dignityand Britain's affection."
The Courier-Mail says the Queen Mother was the person to whom people inside and outsidethe royal family turned for comfort and reassurance in times of sadness or crisis.
"She was the royals' favourite royal and the people's favourite, because she was themodel of what a royal should be: compassionate and interested in her subjects, but strongwhen the occasion required and, most important, a person of honesty and integrity."
"Hers was a life of decency and good humour. No scandal or controversy was sparkedby her behaviour, and many that did occur were soothed by her intervention and sense ofduty."
Indonesia is looming as a political and religious minefield in the war against terrorism,The Age saysy.
"The United States and key South-East Asian allies openly regard Indonesia as the region's"weakest link" in the coalition against terrorism," the newspaper says.
"Several countries say they have handed over solid evidence [about terrorists in thecountry], but Indonesia has made no arrests and continues to harbour two key leaders -one of whom has been directly linked to the September 11 hijackers.
The Age says Indonesia is straying into dangerous territory. "It would be wise to heedthe warnings of its friends."
AAP rs
KEYWORD: EDITORIALS
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