Fears split with Coalition will diminish party’s relevance and ability to advocate for rural communitiesNationals say Coalition split not unanimous as Littleproud takes swipe at election policy ‘fiasco’How Littleproud’s irresistible force met Ley’s immovable objectWhat does the split mean for Australian politics? – Full Story podcastGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastCurrent and former NSW Nationals MPs have shot down their federal counterparts move to split from the Coalition, with one saying it was a “distasteful” move that would diminish rural issues in the halls of power.Former state deputy leader Adrian Piccoli also backed Liberal leader Sussan Ley’s decision not to acquiesce to the federal Nationals’ demands, saying she was right not to lock in a position on policies so quickly.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email