The most telling speeches at the Liberal launch Yes, testimonials from a politician's own children tend to the sugar, and make criticism too dangerous for all but the mean - which often makes them unfair. That said, Tony Abbott's daughters were a smash hit at the Liberal launch, giving their father an introduction that would have given him plenty more friends:: Abbott's speech was good, too - in that it was perfectly safe and sane, and modest in scope. Critic proof. No need for great inspiration now. I suspect Abbott for many voters is seeming more prime ministerial in the course of the campaign. The gravitas is still not quite there, but the calmness, discipline and assurance is.