Friday 3rd of May 2024

from the outhouse .....

from the outhouse .....

Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson says he will lead the Coalition to the next election.

Dr Nelson's handling of the Coalition's policy on an emissions trading scheme has led to speculation his leadership is in trouble, with some MPs withdrawing their support.

However, today he told ABC Local Radio in Adelaide that he was sticking with the job.

'People have said to me from the day I took this job, [that] it's the worst job in Australian politics,' he said. 

'Having been the former president of the Australian Medical Association I'm not quite sure that that's the case, but if I listened to commentators instead of doing what I think is right then I'd be losing objectivity. 

'I'm absolutely determined with everything I've ever done in my life to see it through and I will lead us to the next election.' 

I'm Here To The Next Election: Nelson

Pete, the non-challenger...

Costello rules out leadership challenge

Former federal treasurer Peter Costello has given another clue about his political future.

Mr Costello has kept everyone, including most of his colleagues guessing.

After last year's election loss he did not take the leadership, instead he went to the backbench and said he would quit politics.

But Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson's continued poor opinion poll results have led to a push for Mr Costello to make a comeback.

Today he was asked if he intended challenging for the leadership and insisted that he will not challenge.

But that answer does not resolve all the outstanding questions as he did not say if he will retire or stay on in politics - nor whether he would take the leadership if Dr Nelson stands aside.

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Gus: the former bean counter is still waiting for the head-cleaner job to be handed over to him on a gold-plated plate... But will he want it?.... indecision... indecision... indecision.

vanitas vanitatum, et omnia vanitas

'Humbled' Turnbull pledges Liberal renewal

Malcolm Turnbull says he is "humbled" to take the reins of the Liberal Party after beating Brendan Nelson in this morning's leadership spill.

Mr Turnbull fronted a Parliament House press conference after beating Dr Nelson 45 to 41 in this morning's vote.

He paid tribute to Dr Nelson, pledging to restore unity to the Liberals and sell their values to the Australian electorate, and described Prime Minister Kevin Rudd as vain.

"Ours is a great party, a party whose values are as important to the prosperity and security of Australia in the years to come as they have been in years gone by," he said.

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Gus: congratulation for the new job, Mr Turnbull... But calling Kev Rudd vain is a bit rich... People in glasshouses should not throw stones, even little ones. That will cost you 5 points. Anyway, good luck. Remember: vanitas vanitatum, et omnia vanitas, especially when one is "humble" in being designated to fix the door of the glorious dunny...

Even Hagar the Horrible knows that.

see toon at top...