Women generally don't feel much affection for Peter,yet he has a track record and intellectual prowess to win the next election.The Achilles heel at the moment for Labor is their slavish adoration of the AGW theory and their economic ineptitude at both state and federal levels.I have no faith in the present Labor Party,since Wayne often looks like a frightened deer in the media spotlight.Wayne is often lost for words and Kevin is too busy polishing his international image for a future UN posting.

Kevin today blames the Howard Govt for the present economic problems,yet makes no mention of the $90 billion surplus the Howard Govt left,nor the $180 billion deficit[in today's terms]Labor left us with at the end of the Keating era.

Peter on camera indulges in too much flippant seemingly arrogant posturing.People don't know if this is the real Peter,or some cover up for a deeper insecurity.He does not reveal the genuine candid reality that his family knows.This is why there is so much distrust.Perhaps he needs some coaching on camera presentation and save his rapier wit for parliament where he is both entertaining and extremely effective.

All pollies have to distort the truth since they are appealing to an electoral market that does not have perfect knowledge or necessarily intelligent design.It is all about having the widest appeal even if the perceptions of the electorate at large are out of touch with reality.It is a difficult juggling act at the best of times.Brendan Nelson recently made the mistake of being honest about his climate change skeptism,since the electorate have yet to hear the recent scientific facts via the popular media.

I don't know if Peter Costello is a nice bloke whom I'd like to have a beer with,or that he is an egocentric,arrogant genius.All I know is this;I'd like a leader who has the ability and experience that took us through the Asian crisis and the recession of 2000 which we hardly noticed,not a leader who has a multitude of committees and inquiries to find out what they should have been studying in 11 yrs in opposition

Seems more like a not-so-subtle dig at the Labor Party than an actual question.
Not that I have a particular affection for the Labor Party, though in my view your rosier outlook of the Liberals isn't warranted. Given the economic situation Howard enjoyed courtesy of our mineral wealth and our established favourable relationship with the world powers of China and the USA, neither of which fare better or worse under Labor, I think you give Costello far too much credit, and frankly Rudd hasn't been given enough time to prove whether he's better or worse as a financial manager.
On other measures he's proven to strike a chord with Australians. Some may wish to chalk that up to PR, instead of acknowledging that perhaps some of the calls he's made were the right ones, as opposed to Howard's.

Howard and Costello's previous stints in opposition were no better than Rudd's, albeit longer and without much to show for it except more examples of the kind of ongoing incompetence that plagues the State Liberals. It's a wonder they managed to get their act together to win an election.
When they first came to government, they were just as untested, so Arjay, you'll forgive me if I dismiss your clear favouritism for the Liberals and hatred for Labor.

As to the question on Costello, the question is not whether he should reinvent his persona, that's too easy. The answer is undoubtedly yes, if he is indeed planning a comeback. The clear perception is that he lacked the ticker to make a challenge, and he always came off as someone who whined from the sidelines. The ongoing sniping at Howard without a clear challenge isn't exactly an example of leadership material.

The real question is, can he? My answer is a clear: 'I sincerely doubt it' but funny things happen during election campaigns.

TRTL: << Seems more like a not-so-subtle dig at the Labor Party than an actual question >>

Indeed. In fact, virtually every discussion that Arjay starts seems like a rehash of this Liberal loser theme.

Boring.

Yes Arjay is very much on song, his song.
And the chances of anyone leading his mob to victory in the next election is zero.
However the question needs addressing.
If Peter had replaced the demented dwarf before the last election we would have seen a total remake.
We may still if he gathers the juice to take the leadership.
Howard in his support for Nelson, seems to be saying not Costello.
He however for the time being seems the only answer.
But how many of us can forget that sneer?

“…yet he has a track record and intellectual prowess to win the next election.”

What? (:>0

Arjay, I haven’t seen Costello exhibit any such thing. He made some attempts to be seen in the media to have broader interests than just fiscal policy and the like, but it totally failed to convince me that he has any genuine interest, let alone any particular knowledge or skills, in anything else at all!

Can he reinvent his public persona? Possibly. But it would be seen as just that; a public persona, as false as his smile on the odd occasion when he went baby-kissing in front of the cameras!

He had many years right in the public spotlight. If he couldn’t appeal to the masses then, he won’t be able to now.

“All pollies have to distort the truth since they are appealing to an electoral market that does not have perfect knowledge…”

I don’t believe for a moment that politicians have to distort anything. I admire Nelson for being frank. His problem was not his frankness but his expression of a point of view that his party didn’t hold or that wasn’t policy.

No doubt Costello would be a distorter of enormous proportions.

I think Costellos self exile to the back bench is a loss for both the Liberal party and the country.

I, personally, never rated him as a possible prime minister

but I do rate him for more than he is presently doing

and may be, in the adversity of opposition,

he might look upon this time as an opportunity to develop that part of him which is needed to lead the Liberals into the next election and hopefully victory over the "swill".

Should Peter Costello Re-invent His
Public Persona?

He has to. Because at the moment
the image that most of us have of the man
in not a very flattering one. The image
is of a gutless man,
who did everything his "boss" told him
to do ,and more. He didn't have the
courage to stand on his own two feet -
and speak up.

Re-invent His Public Persona - is a must.
But, more importantly, Costello needs
to shake off the Howard association as
quickly as possible, and stand on his own
two feet.

On the other side of the coin, who else does
the Liberal Party have? Nelson - had his chance,
but proved to be a "non-entity."
Turnbull - forget him, he's missed his chance.
Costello, remains the libs one and only bet.

Even "potty-mouth" Abbott, recognises this.
And he only backs those he thinks have a chance
at grabbing the "winners" trophy.
I saw Abbott on the news the other night
singing Costello's praises.
"We love him, we want him back..."

I agree with Belly, I don't think the Libs
will win the next election, but with
Costello, it will be an interesting race.

From all evidence, it seems he requires people to beg and say please please please come back Peter, all is forgiven and we really love you. Not really a leader is he. He's just a confused wittle boy who that nasty Rodent promised and crossed his heart would hand him everything on a platter.

Even Tony 'People Skills' Abbot might be preferrable;-)

Will Peter Costello try for Liberal leadership?

Deja vu
Deja vu
Deja vu

A better question would be:

Will the Liberal Party Re-Invent Itself?

Gotta disagree there US. If anybody could make the Liberal Party slump even lower, it would be Abbott.

Or maybe Chris Pyne. I laughed so hard when Pyne had the temerity to stick his hand up for the deputy position.

Costello has spat the dummy one too many times. The position calls for near limitless patience without showing signs of weakness or disunity, something Costello evidently hasn't got a handle on.

What's the problem, Liberals don't like Peter Costello that's why Howard wouldn't go, they don't like Malcolm Turnbull who is probably very electable as far as the little aussie battler is concerned and nobody likes Brendan Nelson who is just keeping the seat warm while the big boys make up their mind. Either get Nick Minchin to step up or what about Julie Bishop.

So what's Costello doing? Lolling around writing about the past - at our expense. He's yesterday's man. The Liberal Party want's someone who's got a burning desire to do something about the future.

Minchin's yesterday's man as well.

TurnRightThenLeft,

But he has such great people skills!

Hell, if Downer got a go as opposition leader, surely it's time for Tony Abbott:-))))

Seriously though, I cant see how the electorate could possibly have any respect for this little precious twitt. Besides, it would rob me of the joy of that Lathamesque book I'm looking forward too. Please don't back out now Peter!

Potential Liberal leaders in rough pecking order on the hero to zero scale (realistically speaking and IMO):

Malcolm Turnbull - Strong, hungry and therefore most likely to get it.
Andrew Robb - Steady, would make a good deputy.
Julie Bishop - Would always be in the running for deputy.
...
...
...
Tony Abbott - Slingshotted to top of queue only if front runners fail.
Peter Costello - Would need to find a spine. Unlikely scenario.
...
...
...
Nick Minchin - Too wooden, forget it.
Christopher Pyne - Political chihuahua, no chance.

Well,it's good to see such a diversity of opinions.It is interesting that none have countered my attacks on K Rudd or W Swan.

Many have now thrown down the gauntlet to P Costello and it is now up to him to prove his accusers wrong.His most difficult task will be winning the trust of the electorate.

Hahah just read this in the age...

'Dead man walking? Try dead man lying in the grave, the rest of the party all poised with shovels. Malcolm Turnbull (Mr 24%) is all born to rule with his handsome head of hair, jutting chin and grey slacks. All "tally ho, what! It would be frightfully nice to retire to the drawing room with a good pipe and a fine hound." He's just waiting for the word. The word being: "There will be no leadership challenge in the foreseeable future."

Then there's Mr 41%. Mr Smoke And Mirrors. Mr Now You See Me Now You Don't.

He's treating them mean and keeping them keen. You know who we're talking about. How about you, Mr Peter Costello, pretending that you're the hero of your own novel keeping your cards close to your chest? Oooh, man of mystery.

It's like Costello is standing in the wings after a performance, listening to the applause and waiting to hear if it's loud enough to warrant an encore. Be careful, Costello. If you wait for too long, Turnbull will be out there tap dancing and doing magic tricks.
'

After hearing Keating's response today to Costello's possible rise to leadership,I read real fear and trepidation eminating from the Labor Party.Keating's vitriol,is a measure of the fear and respect they have for Costello's ability.Keating hates Howard more than anyone ,yet gives John Howard the accolades when referring to economic reform achieved by their Govt.

You can read Keating like a book.Labor have called an ageing failure, to shore up their dithering incompetent response to our present economic crisis.Wayne Swan,"The inflation genie is out of the bottle!"Now what sort of economic confidence does that inspire?Kevin Rudd,"There will be a lot more pain due to the ETS."

Perhaps they [Kevin& Wayne]should apply for Morris Iemma's job,since NSW is used to stuffups and nobody notices anymore.

Aaaah haaa hahahaha. That was VERY funny!

I’m referring to Keating’s comments on Costello.

I’ve never had much time for old Kretin, but he hit the spot this time.

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24137044-5001021,00.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akDu93LLZLk&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rnwn4q_ZE9c

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa hahahaha. ……how true!

Yes, it was very amusing - but Ludwig, Keating was never any kind of cretin.

Obnoxious - maybe. Lacking in intelligence - never.

I watched Keating on the ABC's, 7.30 Report
tonight, - 6th August 2008.

I agree with CJ.
Keating's intelligence
shouldn't be questioned.

Afterall he used to call Costello, "Thalium,"
(Slow acting dope).

And that fits. But what on earth is taking
Costello so long to reveal his plans for the
future?

Is he struggling with the final chapter of
his book? Is he seeking a more dramatic
finale to his political career?

Or remembering how many rejections he's
suffered under Howard, is his delay based
on a desire to see his party beg for his
leadership?

I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Unless Turnbull rushes in ahead of Costello.
"He who hesitates..."

Foxy,

One thing you can say about Costello for sure is that he's the master of taking the path of least resistance. He's either hanging around to be given an armchair ride by his party, waiting for that dream job in the private sector to beg him to take it or, if none of the above, retire from politics on the maximum parliamentary pension.

I remember reading an article some years ago saying that MPs get the maximum pension (75% of their salary) upon retirement once they make it to 18 years in Parliament. Pete's been there since 1990. Guess what - this year makes it 18. I reckon he might be setting things up to say sayonara.

-- -- --

I think Costello supporters might be disappointed. Pete's basically got no grit ... you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. And no amount of dragging him through the gravel tied to the back of the Opposition Leader's pickup truck is going to give him any either.

Keating is just a smart Alec who makes up for his inadaquacies via his acid tongue.He has no true perception of the economic reality.He wants compulsory super to be doubled so insurance companies can screw us more via fees and poor returns? The best way for super is to allow $500,000.00 for all workers tax free towards their retirement.They get to nominate share or property.No parisites or Govt intervention or regulation.Keep It Simple Stupid.

If Keating was so smart,why did he leave us with 10% unemployment and $180 billion Govt deficit in todays money back in 1995?

If Costello doesn't soon make up his mind,his moment will be lost.
He has serious issues of lacking courage and determination.His greatest disadvantage is that he hasn't faced and conquered all the challenges that faced John Howard.He still expects the leadership to handed to him on a silver platter.With that type of attitude,he will never gain the respect of the party nor the electorate.

Costello just by his failure to stop the speculation is not the right man to lead.
Ajay's dream that a return to the lodge for his team is near is as unlikely as ever.
Keating is aware the financial impacts of his superannuation laws is of great service to Australia.
And the self reliance in retirement rather than pensions is a worth while target.