Fed: Howard to stay but won't commit to serving full term

AAP General News (Australia)
08-01-2006
Fed: Howard to stay but won't commit to serving full term

JOHN HOWARD says he'll stay on and fight the next election .. but won't say if he'll
serve a full term if he's returned to office.

Mr HOWARD yesterday ended weeks of speculation by announcing he'll seek a fifth term
as prime minister at the next election .. dashing the leadership ambitions of his treasurer
.. PETER COSTELLO.

Three weeks after Mr COSTELLO demanded Mr HOWARD retire by Christmas .. the prime minister
faxed Liberal Party MPs a one-page letter .. telling them he's staying on as leader.

Mr HOWARD made his announcement officially as he toured parts of north Queensland recovering
from Cyclone Larry.

Mr COSTELLO now says he'll remain on the frontbench .. as most coalition MPs want him
to stay on as treasurer and deputy Liberal leader.

AAP RTV dcr/wz/psm/

KEYWORD: LEADERSHIP (CANBERRA)

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