The Australian's exclusive Newspoll of federal voting intentions shows a swing back to the government of 4% on both the primary and two-party preferred vote.
The Australian'sexclusive Newspoll of federal voting intentions shows a swing back to the government of 4% on both the primary and two-party preferred vote.
The Australian's Political Editor Dennis Shanahan says :
"We may not know why the pendulum has swung back a bit to the Coalition:
it could be a natural correction in the public mind after seeing
Liberal annihilation writ large; it could be a reaction to the realism
that Howard was going to retire anyway; it may be a warmth for
generational change and Peter Costello; it could be an underrated
positive reaction to the APEC success; a recognition Howard is really
the best bet; or just a sympathy vote."
Responding to the polling result Treasurer Peter Costello told ABC Radio's Fran Kelly:
"You have got to say at this stage, the Labor Party is still
favourite to win the election," Mr Costello told ABC radio.
"(Opposition Leader Kevin) Rudd has had his campaign launch and
the way he's talking he's getting ready for his election night
victory. We will probably see that next week.
"What he forgets is that in between you need policy and that's
what he doesn't deliver" (Quoted in The Age)
While Labor spokesmen have been quiet today, Labor Deputy Leader, Julia Gillard told ABC radio yesterday that the polls might improve for Howard because "Australians watching that very painful episode [leadership speculation] might reward [John Howard with a little bit of a sympathy card."
Newspoll showed little difference in who voters thought would be the better Prime Minister, with Rudd being the preference of 48 percent (no change) and Howard 38 percent (up one percentage point). More voters (45 percent) were dissatisfied with Howard, than were satisfied (44 percent), while 65 percent approved of Rudd's performance and 18 percent disapproved.
For our commentary see Incompetence and conversation change lead to recovery
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