Tanner and Faulkner's actions decent and honourable

Comments on Henry Ergas “Faulkner, Tanner fell short of lofty aims”, 13/07/2010, http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/faulkner-tanner-fell-short-of-lofty-aims/story-e6frg6zo-1225890927669
There are two aspects to the story here.

One is that there were inevitable failures of Tanner because he was one of the gang of four that were the core of the Rudd government's decisions, so he cannot escape those responsibilities. But I am not sure about Faulkner's because he was not one of the inner circle decision makers even though he has been a senior minister or ALP politicians.

The other aspect of the story is that both probably felt uncomfortable with the sudden change to the ALP leadership and are willing to show it and to take their shares of responsibility for the failures of the Rudd government as senior ministers to fall together with Rudd in some sort of way.

If the second is true, it indicates at least they have shown some courage to be accountable for their positions.

And that is much more decent action than some who might have done otherwise.