From somewhere in the ether...

Downer backs Costello in leadership challenge row

Tension: Peter Costello has denied pledging to destroy the leadership of John Howard

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has defended Peter Costello over claims the Treasurer vowed to "destroy" Prime Minister John Howard's leadership if he did not step aside before the election.

Three senior Canberra gallery journalists, including the ABC's Michael Brissenden, say they met with Mr Costello over dinner in early 2005.

They say the Treasurer told them Mr Howard could not win the election and he would "destroy" his leadership if he [Mr Howard] was still Prime Minister by 2006.

Brissenden says Mr Costello's office called the journalists one day after the conversation and asked for the comments to be placed 'off the record'. He says the journalists reluctantly agreed.

But Mr Costello has completely denied ever making the comments.

Speaking on ABC TV's Lateline last night, Mr Downer said nobody cared about the conversation and Mr Costello's account was "somewhat supported" by the fact that Mr Howard was still Prime Minister.

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Gus: what a lot of twaddle... All this shows is a Peter Costello with no guts... a big mouth  lying through his teeth... Thinking about it, Johnnee and Clowner also lie through their teeth...