Congratulations

February 16, 2026

It is with great pleasure that I note the appointment of Mr David Armstrong, a distinguished media personality with a stronghold in Asia, as the new editor-in-chief of Pearls and Irritations, the only newsletter that still keeps me sane.

Many thanks to Mr John Menadue, a pioneer in reactionary and independent journalism, whose career and achievements in serving the national interest I have admired for years. Your journey in public policy has been incredible. We will continue to wait eagerly for the end-of-the week pearls of wisdom (and occasional irritation, which is the pearl’s Raison d’être) to come from the South, reminding us that critical and honest thinking is not dead in Australia.