Janette, not John, wore the political pants behind closed doors, says Peter Costello in his eagerly awaited book.
Janette the real powerhouse
Costello "couldn`t be disloyal to Howard"
Long-awaited book hits shelves next week
JOHN Howard`s wife Janette persuaded him to stay in the top job even though his colleagues wanted him gone, former treasurer Peter Costello reportedly claims in his new book.
Mr Costello calls the former prime minister`s wife a "consensus of one" and claims she was more powerful than federal cabinet in the lead-up to last year`s election, Channel 9 reported tonight.
Mr Costello says Mrs Howard did not want anyone else occupying Kirribilli House when US President George W Bush visited Australia for the APEC summit in Sydney last September, the report said.
Mr Costello`s long-awaited book will finally hit the shelves next week, but leaks are proliferating.
The book also reveals Mr Howard got cold feet before the 1998 election and wanted to reduce the GST from 10 to eight per cent, angering Mr Costello, Nine said.
Mr Costello reportedly also takes a swipe at Liberal leadership aspirant Malcolm Turnbull, and criticises Mr Howard`s handling of reconciliation, the republic and the rise of Pauline Hanson.
The Liberals hope Mr Costello will use the book`s launch to finally end speculation about whether he plans to stay in parliament - and possibly take over as opposition leadership - or leave politics.
Peter Coleman, co-author of the book and Mr Costello`s father-in-law, said Mr Costello does not explicitly outline his plans for the future in the book, but readers will be able to make their own judgments.
"He`s got plenty of ambition left, but don`t press me beyond that," he told ABC radio.
"The book can be read either as an apologia - to use a fancy word - for the past or a platform for the future."
Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson said he was keen to read the book.
"I think it will be an interesting and enjoyable read," he said.
But Dr Nelson also called on his colleagues to be more disciplined and stop navel-gazing.
"It`s absolutely essential that we put the interests of Australia first, the interests of our party in the way we are able to serve Australia, than putting individual interests ahead of those."
Frontbencher Tony Abbott said he was also looking forward to Mr Costello`s memoirs.
"I`m assured that Peter`s book is a measured book, that it pays appropriate tribute to John Howard, acknowledges him as perhaps Australia`s best ever prime minister," he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard said Mr Costello should stop sniping from the back benches.
"You know, it seems to me, whatever people thought of former prime minister Howard ... since the last election he has conducted himself in a dignified way," Ms Gillard said.
"I think that is in stark contrast to the way Peter Costello has conducted himself."
Mr Coleman said Mr Costello never challenged Mr Howard for the Liberal leadership because he could not bring himself to be disloyal.
"The idea of splitting the party and dividing the government ranks was something he wouldn`t contemplate," he said.
Janette always looked like she should be at home baking cupcakes. Looks can certainly be deceiving.
Posted by: Jane of Adelaide 7:37pm today
Poor little Costello!! Thank God this wimp was never Prime Minister.
Posted by: Lesley of WA 7:35pm today
Yes Costello it is everybody's fault except yours that you were not given the leadership. Even though you are known as Captain Smirk, you are more like Captain Coward with your ability to break first at every single challenge. You would have led our country to ruin while blaming Howard, Rudd and everyone else while stating that your not to held at fault for anything.
Posted by: wall-E 7:34pm today
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