Calls to back $50bn Afghan aid plan

Calls to back $50bn Afghan aid plan	22.05.2008

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05/22/2008		UN boss tours devastated delta
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon today toured Burma`s disaster area, on the first day of a visit aimed at pushing through a full emergency relief effort after Cyclone Nargis

05/22/2008		Toddler brings nation into bird flu age
A 16-MONTH-old boy has been confirmed as Bangladesh`s first human case of the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus, a senior health ministry official said today

05/22/2008		Tourist strips for wolf-whistlers
AN Israeli tourist tired of wolf whistles from road workers in New Zealand stripped off her clothes in a show of defiance, police say

05/22/2008		Olympic flame to visit quake centre
THE Beijing Olympic torch relay will be altered so that the flame goes through earthquake-ravaged Sichuan province shortly before the Games, organisers say

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Latest Comments:

Oh here it is, all the bloggers who go to ground when Kevin Rudd's poor governance is highlighted have come out of their holes in the earth when the media comes out with something anti-liberal.I know its been a while for you all, maybe you should take time out now to thank the australian media for their part in the election victory...And a Jane (Comment 1), when you dealing with the day-to-day issues in Australia such as the economy etc., the world is black and white, and thats the way it needs to be seen.
Posted by: Rhys of Canberra 7:50am today

Howard is idiot. Do not mention this name,..will be better for Australia.
Posted by: Mark of Sydney 7:47am today

Odd that I never noticed gags being put on people when John Howard was leader.Let's wait for thebudget shall we?
Posted by: Jane McD 7:45am today

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PM makes first speech in Australia since loss
Says he can help party behind the scenes
But dodges offering support for Nelson

JOHN Howard has offered the Liberal Party "quiet" help as it struggles to redefine itself in the wake of the election loss that turfed him from office, but he could only offer muted support for the party`s embattled leader.

Mr Howard helped the Liberal Party raise much-needed funds at a dinner thrown in his honour in Brisbane last night, but there was no helping hand for his successor Brendan Nelson.

"It`s very nice to be in Queensland," Mr Howard said when asked questions about the Liberal leadership before his unscripted speech at the dinner.

During his speech, the former prime minister acknowledged state Liberal Party presidents before mentioning Dr Nelson, and the only mention he made of the Opposition Leader was to say he "does have a very difficult job".

Careful not to be seen to endorse Dr Nelson, Mr Howard used his speech to send a clear message to his former Liberal colleagues that he would give guidance where necessary.

"I will do everything I can in a quiet way to help you," Mr Howard said. "I think former prime ministers should give quiet assistance."

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Awkward moments

Mr Howard and the Opposition Leader exchanged warm if somewhat awkward greetings during private drinks held behind closed doors at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, but otherwise socialised apart, according to reporters from The Australian who were there.

Dr Nelson said he was grateful for Mr Howard`s attendance and the opportunity to share the stage with the Liberal great. He earlier rejected suggestions the testimonial dinner would be a sombre affair.

"It is a wonderful occasion," Dr Nelson said, smiling despite his own poor polling and question marks over his future. "We are celebrating the magnificent contribution of John Howard to Australia, not only over 12 years in government but 34 years in public life.

"It is one of the greatest honours of my life to have been a part of the Howard government and, of course, now to be the leader of the parliamentary Liberal Party."

Just how long Dr Nelson will manage to remain in that position was a matter of fierce debate within the party yesterday as Dr Nelson`s backers claimed that support for likely opponent Malcolm Turnbull had been exaggerated to create a sense of inevitability about his succession.

The Opposition`s Treasury spokesman, who is overseas, has been urged to wait until Dr Nelson is tapped on the shoulder by his own supporters after the Budget on May 13, if the embattled leader has failed to turn around his poor standing in the community by then.

By-election tests

The Australian has reported Dr Nelson`s supporters believe that if the situation remains dire in two months, the leader will voluntarily step down in July. "Nelson will do what Alexander Downer did and step down," a senior Liberal said yesterday.

"Downer was able to preserve his reputation by doing that. I think that example will be put to him."

South Australian senator Nick Minchin, who is the Opposition Leader`s staunchest supporter, says Dr Nelson has until the middle of the year to turn his fortunes around. It is understood that Senator Minchin expects the results of any by-elections in the middle of the year will determine Dr Nelson`s standing.

Dr Nelson yesterday continued his national listening tour in Brisbane, dismissing weekend comments by Nationals leader Warren Truss that it had not been a great success.

Mr Howard said the Coalition had to try to balance the need to adjust to its new circumstances in Opposition with a proper regard and respect for past achievements. "We have to keep a sense of balance and perspective about what our party has contributed to this nation," he said.

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