The next elections looks to be a 'costello vs Rudd' fight for the leadership.

If the name of the game is 'leadership', then Kevin Rudd proved it by challenging Beazly and lobbying the winning.

Although Mr Costello is a seasoned treasurer, he rates poorly on leadership since he never dared to challenge John Howard on the leadership.

Unless Mr Costello challenges Howard for the leadership and win, I don't think he stands a change in front of Rudd.

Thoughts?

The Coalition isn't as keen to show any disharmony within the party as is the ALP. The ALP changes leaders like socks. It will be interesting to see how long Rudd lasts before he is shafted.

Costello did the 'honourable' thing (if that word can be applied to politicians) and he now has credits for when Howard finally gets the message that he has lost the plot. Unless Turnbull jumps the queue.

Strangely I suppose for an old woman-hater, I think the logical choice to lead the ALP was Gillard. In fact, she is the only one in that sorry mob with the quiet confidence and steady manner to do the job.

But, as usual, the ALP has blown it. We could well be seeing Labor fail to win another election al la Hewson, the last leader to stuff up after years of a tired ALP government.

very colourful birds this line of pollies in australia. we've had a hawke a peacock and now with gillard & rudd, a goose and a gander.

Not so fast pragma,

I voted for Howard twice but I am willing to vote Rudd this time.
In all honesty I can't see the great difference in agendas or impact.
looking through the hype:

- Interest rates follow the RBA and follows global trends.
- the FTA and IR reforms are wheels in motion.
- Costello failed the leadership testing: he was waiting to be 'given' the job.

As much as I see him as a good treasurer:

1. I can't see him a PM
2. Its not that difficult to 'balance' the books of a wealthy nation like Australia.

Food for thoughts,

Everyone is raving about the new messiah Kevin Rudd,who is articulate and seemingly clear thinking.Where are the others of anywhere near his ability.We have an evironmental ageing rock star in Peter Garrett,and Julia Gillard a socialist with little knowledge of economics.

All we hear from Labor is notions of social justice,ie higher taxes,and no mention of keeping the private sector strong or reducing Govt regulation or red tape.

Eventually this lot will get in through sheer complacency and bordom of the electorate,and we will all have to suffer "no talent time" at the hands of Labor economic vandals.We only have to look at the present track records of various Labor State Govts to see the writing on the wall.

arjay you're right in my view. i keep thinking of how well the states (which are all labor for time being) would be holding out if it weren't for the GST windfall which they so vehemently opposed.