It's no laughing matter really; poor John Brogden. Even if his suicide attempt wasn't intended to take his life, self harm is still pretty full on. Kind of sobering for anyone involved in politics, one of those, gee, hope the stress, pressure, and in this case, embarrassment never gets that bad for anyone I know.
Points to Barry O'Farrell for handling the situation well, though:
The Herald had called Mr O'Farrell about 11pm to ask him about the numbers, but he replied: "Excuse me if I say I don't care about the leadership at the moment, but I am following an ambulance with John Brogden inside. He has attempted self-harm. It sort of puts things in perspective, doesn't it?"
UPDATE: O'Farrell is out of the Liberal leadership stoush!
ABC radio reported that Mr O'Farrell said he decided to step down from the leadership contest last night while visiting the former leader Mr John Brogden who was recovering in hospital after an apparent suicide attempt.
The only other declared candidate is Vaucluse MP and Opposition front bencher Mr Peter Debnam.