NSW: Howard 'old and dishonest' secret Lib party report says

AAP General News (Australia)
08-05-2007
NSW: Howard 'old and dishonest' secret Lib party report says

A key government consultancy firm has found opposition leader KEVIN RUDD is the preferred
prime minister as voters see JOHN HOWARD as old and dishonest.

News Limited newspapers have reported crashing voter support is a serious worry for
the government.

The leaked dossier entitled 'Federal State of Play - Oz Track 33' came from Liberal
party pollsters MARK TEXTOR and former Liberal federal director LYNTON CROSBY.

The Crosby/Textor team are the prime minister's principal strategy and consultancy
team .. having worked with the party since its first election win in 1996.

The leaked report reveals that the last federal budget failed to garner voter support
despite $31.5 billion tax cuts.

The poll also found key swinging voters are disillusioned with the PM and not too
interested in Treasurer Peter costello taking the party's reins.

"There is significant disillusionment with Liberals on the issue of broken promises
and dishonesty," the report found.

Voters have confidence in Mr Rudd because he was seen as articulate and intelligent
with a broader range of life experience.

Mr Rudd's was also preferred to pollsters due to his age of 50 years as opposed to
Mr Howard's 68 years.

The research found Mr Rudd is perceived as far more "likeable," "genuine" and "compassionate".

AAP RTV ig/

KEYWORD: HOWARD POLL (SYDNEY)

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