Howard Stays put
We all knew it was coming - there was NO way that Howard was going to stand down after the events of the last few weeks. I actually feel very sorry for Costello - the entire nation was against him rising to the Primeministership.
No really - the Opposition called for Howard to stay (publically, at least - privately they would have preferred Costello), the Labor Premiers all had a love-in for Howard, all but about 30 people in the Liberal party wanted Howard, the Greens wanted Howard (don't know why?!)... and the general population seem to want him to stay.
Even the young people seem to want to hug him (albeit with a screwdriver in hand). Just on that, though - i'm beginning to suspect that the hand of the insidious Young Liberals were in on the youth love-in for Howard during his week in Sydney and his birthday. It was invaluable footage to have 15 and 16 yr olds hugging the PM on the national nightly news.
Oh well, Beazely and Howard again. This probably won't be as colourful an election as last time, but if Labor can get the buts into gear, the have the IR legislation in their favour and economic conditions have neutralised the "low interest" campaign of the government. The "better economic managers" campaign is not yet neutralised, but with some cleve tactics, Labor could conceivably leverage the advantage here too. In the mean time, Beazely needs to pray that no terrorist organisation attacks Australia (or any nearby country).
No really - the Opposition called for Howard to stay (publically, at least - privately they would have preferred Costello), the Labor Premiers all had a love-in for Howard, all but about 30 people in the Liberal party wanted Howard, the Greens wanted Howard (don't know why?!)... and the general population seem to want him to stay.
Even the young people seem to want to hug him (albeit with a screwdriver in hand). Just on that, though - i'm beginning to suspect that the hand of the insidious Young Liberals were in on the youth love-in for Howard during his week in Sydney and his birthday. It was invaluable footage to have 15 and 16 yr olds hugging the PM on the national nightly news.
Oh well, Beazely and Howard again. This probably won't be as colourful an election as last time, but if Labor can get the buts into gear, the have the IR legislation in their favour and economic conditions have neutralised the "low interest" campaign of the government. The "better economic managers" campaign is not yet neutralised, but with some cleve tactics, Labor could conceivably leverage the advantage here too. In the mean time, Beazely needs to pray that no terrorist organisation attacks Australia (or any nearby country).
Despite being an avid Labor supporter, I do not think that Beazley has got it in him to defeat Howard, despite any help he may have on IR legislation. I think Labor could claw back a few marginals, but Howard is still in an election winning position in my view.
I also think that, even if Labor were to triumph, the half-senate election would mean that the Libs could still hold a Senate majority, or at very best the balance of power would rest with independents.