Fed: PM attempts to hose down leadership speculation

AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2000
Fed: PM attempts to hose down leadership speculation

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD today attempted to hose down damaging speculation over his
retirement plans amid opposition claims he can no longer be trusted.

Celebrating his 61st birthday last week, Mr HOWARD sparked an intense debate on his
likely successor as Liberal leader after hinting his time in the political spotlight was
drawing to a close.

The opposition, itself fighting wildfires over its plans for GST rollback, immediately
went on the attack, accusing Mr HOWARD of lacking the heart to go on after the next federal
poll.

But today the prime minister denied planning a secret handover deal with Treasurer
PETER COSTELLO or Workplace Relations Minister PETER REITH.

Mr HOWARD says he is very enthusiastic to lead the government to the next election
and says he loves his job.

But Opposition Leader KIM BEAZLEY says Mr HOWARD is simply trying to put the leadership
genie back in the bottle.

He says the prime minister is already mentally in retirement.

AAP RTV rft/mfh/slp/jn

KEYWORD: HOWARD (CANBERRA)

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