The boos were spontaneous and correct for the circumstances even if they were disrespectful.

If this was Paul Keatings memorial I don't think it would ave happened. He wouldn't like it and I actually don't think the level of animosity would be there. I imgine his memorial will be a much more solemn affair.

But this was Whitlam - the very antithesis of Abbott but more importantly, a man who would have appreciated the people speaking out and making their feelings heard. In fact I imagine he would have loved to hear it and would have been disappointed if he had gone out without some element of controversy.

Was it disrespectful towards Abbott? Yes.

Was it disrespectful towards Whitlam? No.

Given the memorial service was for Gough and he wasn't the one being booed ( far from it ), I don't really see what the great "drama" is all about, personally I think it would have been quite pleased 🙂

vale Gough. a caricature cover from my Quadrant collection circa 1973. The article was surprisingly flattering (in parts)

given the magazines roots.. RIP comrade

apparently many people got an email invitation to attend the memorial (from the PM;s office) but when they got there were not allowed to enter. Did anyone see the guy in the wheelchair?  some people were crying, so no wonder the crowd was not happy

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/gough-whitlam-memorial-crowd-frustration-as-re...

"I came all the way in because my carer received an email, I haven't got the email, I don't have a mobile phone. They won't let me in," he said, close to tears.

so it was a big mess up

I am sure she was there in spirit, polksa.  She passed in 2012.

I admired her greatly.

DEB

I think it's funny that some people are complaining about the boos for abbott and howard, especially the like of bolt and jones talking about disrespect.....oh the irony -  abbott couldn't even stop himself having a go at Gough when speaking about Margarets passing.

 favourite line - 

True, people booed Abbott at Gough's memorial - but in their defence, that's probably only because they didn't have anything to throw.

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@polksaladallie wrote:

But where was Margaret?

 

Other wives and even ex-wives were there, but not her.   

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It was rather odd that she wasn't with him for such an event.

Disrespectful to boo, no matter who was there.