NT: Howard not surprised by poll after Solomons
DARWIN, August 5 AAP - Prime Minister John Howard today said he was not surprised bya poll that found the federal coalition had maintained its election-winning lead overthe Labor Party.
A Newspoll published in The Australian today found the government led the opposition52 per cent to 48 per cent on a two-party preferred basis, or by 44 per cent to 36 percent on primary votes.
The newspaper said the support for Australia's troop deployment into the troubled SolomonIslands was a major factor maintaining the government's lead.
"I'm not surprised at that poll," Mr Howard told reporters in Darwin.
"I found as I went around the country that people were saying it was the right decision.
"Australians know that the Pacific is our patch, that we have responsibilities, thatif states fail then that's bad news for Australia because they become havens for internationalcriminals and money launderers and even perhaps terrorists."
Mr Howard said he was happy with the way the operation was going so far.
"So far, but I want Australians to understand that it's still a dangerous mission andwe must keep our fingers crossed that none of our men or women are in any way affected,"
he said.
AAP km/ldj/jlw
KEYWORD: NEWSPOLL HOWARD
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