Will the PM push the button for a poll this weekend? I’ve spoken to a range of senior Liberals from ministers down over the past 24 hours. Their response, put colloquially, has been “Search me, guv”.

Setting the date of polls is one of the great powers leaders have in our system of government. It’s interesting to note that ever since NSW in the early nineties, when parties have needed to negotiate with independents or crossbenchers to form governments, fixed terms have been part of the price.

AAP gave the PM a nice little help-along on Tuesday when they reported that he would attend the Pacific Islands Forum next week.