===But isn't it a pity that those of us who want to see a republic instead of the present shambles can't enter into a democratic discussion without being accused of moaning.===

Fair enough, Fred; a reasoned debate. a 'democratic disucussion' as you put it, is just what we need. But don't forget we once fell out because I considered it not in the best of taste, or in the best interests of reasoned debate or 'democratic discussion', when you once led off a thread with the assertion that a news item about the Royal Family had immediately made you "want to throw up". A bit more reason would be perfectly welcome; but when you, & the others over on your side of the argument, habitually express yourselves in such immoderate terms, such isn't that easy to achieve. If that isn't 'moaning' what is? And that, I take it, is precisely the attitude and mode of expression to which Arthur is referring by his use of the term.

~Michael~