Poll Takes Smile Off The Face Of Costello

Fia Cumming - Sun-Herald

Attempts by Treasurer Peter Costello to improve his public image and remove the "smirk" from his face have failed to win over voters.

The Sun-Herald/Taverner poll contains little Christmas cheer for Mr Costello, who has long held ambitions to quit his portfolio for a better job - prime minister.

But voters surveyed in the poll indicated they did not want Mr Costello, mainly because they did not like him or trust him.

Fifty seven per cent did not believe Mr Costello would be a good prime minister, compared to 30pc who thought he would be good.

The most common reason given (22pc) was that they "just didn't like him".

Despite Mr Costello's strong reputation as an economic manager, 17pc did not believe he was leadership material. Another 16pc did not think he was honest or trustworthy - usually the characteristics most sought in politicians.

Nor have Mr Costello's forays into media madness, such as singing to the Abba tune Money Money Money on radio before the last election, and dancing the macarena with Kerri-Anne Kennerley, won the hearts of voters: 7pc said he lacked "people" skills, while another 5pc believed he had too narrow a perspective on issues.

Mr Costello has tried to combat this perception in the past by expressing opinions on the republic and Aboriginal reconciliation at odds with Prime Minister John Howard.

This year, he let his ambitions show when he virtually admitted he was tired of the tough Treasury job and wanted to move elsewhere.

As Treasurer, however, any move except to the leadership would be considered a demotion.

Mr Costello has never had the numbers in the Liberal party room to roll Mr Howard and knows that he must wait his turn.

But his hopes of taking over have dimmed as Mr Howard's hold on the top job has strengthened since the last election.

The poll, although based on a small sample, is a further reminder to Liberal MPs that choosing Mr Costello over Mr Howard could spell political suicide.