Government Services Minister Bill Shorten’s call for a republic because of the feud in the royal family is deplorable and might remind the public of the opportunistic timing of the 1999 republic vote after Diana’s death. (Call for a republic is feud for thought, 11/1). As the depth of traditionalism and dedication to ceremony was so brilliantly depicted during the Queen’s funeral, Mr Shorten should realise that this institution is timeless and permeates through all aspects of society creating a unique order for governance. If superficial dysfunction should trigger dissolution in Bill Shorten’s world, should the Labor Party have been abolished after it lost the 2019 unlosable election? Alan Sexton, North Parramatta. 12Jan2023.