GOVERNMENT MPs have been forced to defend Tony Abbott’s decision to bring back Knights and Dames, after even former Prime Minister John Howard labelled the move “somewhat anachronistic”.

The staunch constitutional monarchist said he’d be unlikely to accept a knighthood should one ever be offered, according to the Financial Review.

Mr Howard, who decided not to reinstate the system during his time in office, did not want to be critical of Mr Abbott, but insisted his own views on the subject were unchanged.

Greens MP Adam Bandt said the former PM’s comments showed how “wrong” the idea is.

“To get criticised by John Howard for being old fashioned shows that Tony Abbott is more out of touch than [we] thought,” Mr Bandt told reporters in Canberra this morning.

But Liberal MP and republican, Andrew Laming said Australia should not be “fearful” of going back.

“The good thing about it is if you don’t like the idea and you’re awarded one you can say no. I think that’s fine,” he said.

“I think it’s great we have an extra level of recognition.”

Mr Laming claimed he had no problem with the honours, but believes they will be replaced eventually.

“I think Australia, in the end, will probably move on again to a new form of honours, sometime in the future,” he added.

Nationals MP Mark Coulton said there had been a lot of “drama” over the decision, but he was relaxed about it.

“I don’t think we need a Knight on every corner, but I think if we’re going to recognise a couple of people a year for exceptional service, then I don’t think anyone could argue Quentin Bryce isn’t deserved and likewise General Cosgrove,” he told reporters.

Mr Coulton argued it was a “tiny” thing and not the focus for the government, insisting it would pass the pub test.

“But depends what pub you’re in I guess,” he conceded.

On Tuesday the Prime Minister announced he was restoring the honours to the Order of Australia after they were scrapped by the Hawke Government in 1986.

The first recipients will be outgoing Governor-General Quentin Bryce, a republican, and her successor, General Peter Cosgrove, who will be sworn in tomorrow.