Qld: Deputy stands by Nelson

AAP General News (Australia)
04-16-2008
Qld: Deputy stands by Nelson

By Rosemary Desmond

BRISBANE, April 16 AAP - Deputy federal opposition leader Julie Bishop says taking
over the Liberal leadership after the election loss was always going to be tough for Brendan
Nelson, but he's doing a good job.

Senior Liberals are reportedly becoming increasingly frustrated with Dr Nelson's poor
polling and his inability to grab public attention.

Speaking at a Queensland Media Club lunch today, Ms Bishop said it was unfair to compare
Dr Nelson with his predecessor John Howard, the second longest-serving prime minister
in Australia's history, who lost his seat at the November 24 federal election.

The opposition had also lost its longest serving treasurer Peter Costello and longest
serving foreign minister, Alexander Downer, who were now backbenchers, she said.

"It was always going to be a massive challenge for a new leader, whoever that new leader
was, to fill the shoes of that extraordinary leadership trio over so many years," Ms Bishop
said.

"Brendan put his hand up for the job, he got the support of the majority of the party
and I think he's doing a very, very, good job."

Dr Nelson was tackling his role with energy, effort and commitment but the media was
unfairly comparing him with Mr Howard, she said.

"I think it's unfair to try to judge any leader of the opposition against a John Howard,
for example, and I think that's what's happening," she said.

Mr Rudd was receiving blanket media coverage to satisfy a public curious to know all
about their new government and prime minister.

"But then they (the media) do a poll saying Brendan Nelson is not rating in the preferred
prime minister stakes," Ms Bishop said.

"It is quite frankly ludicrous that we do this.

"So I think Brendan is doing a very, very good job and he's got the support of the
party and he will continue in that job."

Ms Bishop said it was up to Peter Costello whether he would change his mind and contest
the party leadership, after declining to take on the job following the election defeat.

"Whether Peter chooses to reconsider that down the track is obviously a matter for
him ... but at present he's being a very, very active local member," she said.

AAP rad/pjo/ldj/jlw

KEYWORD: LIBERALS BISHOP

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