The insults flew thick and fast from Coalition frontbenchers who were frustrated and furious at the actions of the two independents who backed Julia Gillard and her party.

But all our politicians would do well to acknowledge and remember that the political environment has changed markedly in the past 18 days, and so have the expectations of the Australian people. What was once considered acceptable behaviour for a politician, is no more.

Few of us are remembered in life for how we handle a win. It is how we manage our losses, no matter how undignified or public they may be, that best demonstrates our character, and how others judge us and choose to remember us.

Tony Abbott fought a remarkable campaign that surprised probably even his closest supporters, coming within two votes of becoming Prime Minister. But it’s the caustic reactions of his most senior front benchers that threaten to undermine much of the new-found respect afforded to Mr Abbott by the Australian people.

The independents will each be judged by their constituents for their respective actions at the next election, as will all 150 members of the House of Representatives. That’s how our democracy works.

Mr Abbott needs to insist on the discipline and demeanor of the past few months if he is to maintain a sufficient level of support among voters to get even close to Ms Gillard next time round.