Fed: Latham poll shows election will be close: Costello

AAP General News (Australia)
12-16-2003
Fed: Latham poll shows election will be close: Costello

Treasurer PETER COSTELLO says an opinion poll which indicates a surge in support for
Labor leader MARK LATHAM shows the next federal election will be a close race.

The Newspoll in today's Australian shows that, in two weeks, Mr LATHAM'S rating as
preferred prime minister has risen 5 percentage points -- from 26 per cent in the first
week of December to 31 per cent last week.

The result puts Mr LATHAM only 15 points behind Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD, whose rating
has dropped from 52 per cent to 46 per cent during the same period.

Arriving at the federal cabinet meeting in Sydney today, Mr COSTELLO said the Newspoll
shows the federal election next year will be a close contest.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister JOHN ANDERSON says the opinion poll shouldn't be taken
lightly, while Education Minister BRENDAN NELSON says it shows the public has an increased
interest in what's happening in politics.

AAP RTV ved/sd/jas

KEYWORD: POLL COSTELLO (SYDNEY)

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