Fed: I'm still the underdog: Howard

AAP General News (Australia)
04-16-2007
Fed: I'm still the underdog: Howard

CANBERRA, April 16 AAP - Prime Minister John Howard says he remains the underdog for
this year's federal election.

Mr Howard said today he was prepared to alter government policies if voters wanted
change and it would benefit the nation.

"I'm a person who has made his share of mistakes," he told Southern Cross Broadcasting
in Brisbane.

"I try to listen to the Australian public and if there are things that I'm doing that
they don't like, and they have grounds for not liking it, well I'm always willing to listen
and change.

"I have no tickets on myself."

Mr Howard has come under pressure in recent weeks as polls continue to show voters
are unhappy with his industrial relations changes.

He acknowledged today it would be an uphill battle to win the election, expected in
October or November, as the government lags well behind a Labor Party enjoying increased
support under the leadership of Kevin Rudd.

"I've got to work hard, I think it's a tough fight, I think we're behind," he said.

"We're the underdog, there's no doubt about that."

Mr Howard initially expressed surprise when asked whether his age - he will turn 68
in July - would be an issue at the election. He said he would count on his experience
to get him across the line.

"My age? Oh, well, maybe," he said.

"I think people pay on results. I don't disguise my age - it's a pretty hard thing to do.

"Some people will look at it that way, other people will say my experience is a plus.

"I'm happy to compare my fitness for the job at 67 and my experience against that of
anybody's, but in the end my masters are the men and women of Australia."

Mr Howard acknowledged an electoral redistribution had made it harder for him to retain
his Sydney seat of Bennelong, where Labor is running high-profile candidate Maxine McKew.

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KEYWORD: HOWARD

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