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Rudd Tops Howard as Australia’s Preferred PM
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Public backing for John Howard remains stagnant in Australia, according to a Newspoll published in The Australian. 44 per cent of respondents are satisfied with their prime minister's performance.
In the October 2004 election, Howard was rewarded with a fourth term in office, as his Coalition of Liberals and Nationals secured 87 seats in the House of Representatives. The ALP—led by Mark Latham—elected 60 lawmakers.
In December 2006, foreign affairs spokesman Kevin Rudd became the new leader of the ALP, defeating Kim Beazley in an internal caucus ballot. 68 per cent of respondents are satisfied with the way Rudd is performing, up eight points in two weeks.
Yesterday, Rudd discussed the current state of affairs, saying, "My view is that the Australian people are kicking the tyres, looking underneath the bonnet at the moment, seeing what's there, and they'll make up their mind over the course of the next six months or so. I think they'll also make a judgement not just about whether they want to kick Mr. Howard out, but also they're making a judgement on what our positive plans are for Australia's future."
Support for Rudd as the preferred prime minister is at 47 per cent, a ten-point advantage over Howard.
The next legislative election is tentatively scheduled for late 2007.
Polling Data
Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way John Howard is doing his job as prime minister?
Feb. 18 | Feb. 4 | Jan. 21 | |
Satisfied | 44% | 44% | 46% |
Dissatisfied | 46% | 44% | 43% |
Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way Kevin Rudd is doing his job as leader of the opposition?
Feb. 18 | Feb. 4 | Jan. 21 | |
Satisfied | 68% | 60% | 56% |
Dissatisfied | 13% | 15% | 13% |
Who do you think would make the better prime minister?
Feb. 18 | Feb. 4 | Jan. 21 | |
Kevin Rudd (ALP) | 47% | 39% | 39% |
John Howard (Lib.) | 37% | 40% | 41% |
Source: Newspoll / The Australian
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,152 Australian voters, conducted from Feb. 16 to Feb. 18, 2007. Margin of error is 3 per cent.