Fed: Howard says Costello welcome to remain as treasurer

AAP General News (Australia)
04-06-2001
Fed: Howard says Costello welcome to remain as treasurer

CANBERRA, April 6 AAP - Prime Minister John Howard today said Peter Costello was a
very good treasurer and was welcome to remain in the job for as long as he wanted.

Mr Howard said neither of them was planning on Mr Costello becoming opposition leader.

"He is a very good treasurer, and my aim is to see him go on being treasurer in my
government up to the election and after the election if he wants that job in a third coalition
term government," Mr Howard told Melbourne radio 3AW.

"He has the right to decide.

"I'm going to make it perfectly clear I think he's doing a fantastic job as treasurer,
and he can be treasurer in a coalition government for as long as he wants.

"He's not planning on (becoming opposition leader), and I'm not planning on that either."

Earlier this week, Mr Costello reportedly told his supporters there would be no leadership
challenge against Mr Howard before the next election.

But he reportedly confirmed he would stand as opposition leader if the coalition lost
the next election.

AAP jb/daw/mg/br

KEYWORD: COSTELLO HOWARD

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