Shadow Minister,

"You assumptions on Costello's work ethic based on how he looks on TV is absurd."

I don't think so. When everyday people say things like "you get what you pay for" and "when things sound too good to be true, they probably are", what do you think the real message behind that is?

Anyone who tries hard to promote their image is only trying to do one thing - sell themselves to a willing buyer. I'm sorry, but work ethic and image are poles apart! If Pete is saying he works hard, he's in the same bin as Eddie Maguire, who's made mileage out of telling us all how he came from Broadmeadows (a poor, housing commission part of Melbourne), with the added inference/suggestion that "you too can make it from humble beginnings". As if. Eddie now lives in Toorak I believe - and I'm sure he wouldn't go anywhere near "Broadie" now.

This is just part of a strategy to deflect personal criticism so as to make his life comfortable. Same with PC. And if he has worked hard behind the scenes, let's see the evidence.