FED:Abbott defers to others to explain polling

AAP General News (Australia)
12-01-2011
FED:Abbott defers to others to explain polling

Opposition Leader TONY ABBOTT has rejected self-critiquing his own polling unpopularity,
but says he's happy to take credit for the coalition's strong polling.

Mr ABBOTT has told ABC television it was his job to hold the government to account
and be a credible alternative to JULIA GILLARD, who he described as a relentlessly partisan
Prime Minister.

Last week Ms GILLARD backed former Liberal PETER SLIPPER into the role of Speaker of
the lower house.

Mr ABBOTT says she can add him to her list of mortal enemies and problems including
Foreign Minister KEVIN RUDD, Independent MP ANDREW WILKIE, who's demanding gambling reforms
in return for his support and MP CRAIG THOMSON, who's under investigation for abusing
his union credit card.

AAP RTV ah/els/

KEYWORD: ABBOTT (CANBERRA)

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