Post by Flash on May 7, 2008 10:46:31 GMT -5
Howard endorses Nelson as Oppn Leader
ABC.
The Liberal Party has paid tribute to John Howard. (AAP: Dean Lewins)
*
Former prime minister John Howard has pledged his total support for Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson.
He addressed a Sydney Liberal Party fundraiser in his honour, urging his former colleagues to stay positive, despite being in Opposition.
Dr Nelson and his colleagues Malcolm Turnbull, Alexander Downer and Julie Bishop were among those who attended the farewell dinner last night.
For the first time, Mr Howard strongly endorsed Dr Nelson.
"In the difficult challenge of leading the Opposition in 2008, you have my total support and commitment," he said.
Mr Howard told those gathered, his Government has left the nation stronger and more prosperous. He says he knows life in Opposition is not easy, but there is hope for the Liberals.
"To those of you who may be feeling a little despondent about the fact that we are in Opposition, rage against Opposition, work as hard as you can to get out of Opposition, as soon as you can," he said.
He also says he understands why the party has now distanced itself from some of his own policies.
"When you go into Opposition, obviously you can't retain all of the individual positions the former government had in every particular - that is unrealistic," he said.
"You have to adjust certain positions and some attitudes."
Dr Nelson has told the gathering that Mr Howard's leadership changed Australia for the better.
"I say to you John and Janette, on behalf of the Liberal family of Australia, thankyou for making us a better people, thankyou for making us a stronger
nation," he said.
"Thankyou for making us even more confident than we are to be Australians, to fly our flag and to see our place in the world as proudly Australians. We thankyou very much."
Mr Howard took a swipe at the Rudd Government's emphasis on relations with China.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has been accused of being too focussed on Australia's relationship with China, at the expense of other countries like Japan.
Mr Howard told the fundraiser, relations with other Asian countries are equally important.
"Australia's relations with Indonesia, with Japan and with India are very important, indeed just as important, as our relationship with China," he said.
And via video, there was even a farewell message from his old friend, US President George W Bush.
"You're a digger who is simple, direct and tough. And you have never let this cobber down," he said.
Former British prime minister Tony Blair also paid tribute, sending a message via video.
ABC.
The Liberal Party has paid tribute to John Howard. (AAP: Dean Lewins)
*
Former prime minister John Howard has pledged his total support for Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson.
He addressed a Sydney Liberal Party fundraiser in his honour, urging his former colleagues to stay positive, despite being in Opposition.
Dr Nelson and his colleagues Malcolm Turnbull, Alexander Downer and Julie Bishop were among those who attended the farewell dinner last night.
For the first time, Mr Howard strongly endorsed Dr Nelson.
"In the difficult challenge of leading the Opposition in 2008, you have my total support and commitment," he said.
Mr Howard told those gathered, his Government has left the nation stronger and more prosperous. He says he knows life in Opposition is not easy, but there is hope for the Liberals.
"To those of you who may be feeling a little despondent about the fact that we are in Opposition, rage against Opposition, work as hard as you can to get out of Opposition, as soon as you can," he said.
He also says he understands why the party has now distanced itself from some of his own policies.
"When you go into Opposition, obviously you can't retain all of the individual positions the former government had in every particular - that is unrealistic," he said.
"You have to adjust certain positions and some attitudes."
Dr Nelson has told the gathering that Mr Howard's leadership changed Australia for the better.
"I say to you John and Janette, on behalf of the Liberal family of Australia, thankyou for making us a better people, thankyou for making us a stronger
nation," he said.
"Thankyou for making us even more confident than we are to be Australians, to fly our flag and to see our place in the world as proudly Australians. We thankyou very much."
Mr Howard took a swipe at the Rudd Government's emphasis on relations with China.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has been accused of being too focussed on Australia's relationship with China, at the expense of other countries like Japan.
Mr Howard told the fundraiser, relations with other Asian countries are equally important.
"Australia's relations with Indonesia, with Japan and with India are very important, indeed just as important, as our relationship with China," he said.
And via video, there was even a farewell message from his old friend, US President George W Bush.
"You're a digger who is simple, direct and tough. And you have never let this cobber down," he said.
Former British prime minister Tony Blair also paid tribute, sending a message via video.