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| Down Under |
| Howard claims victory |
| 2004-10-09 |
| Prime Minister John Howard has thanked the Australian people for his historic fourth federal election victory. Federal Labor leader Mark Latham conceded defeat after the Howard Government won an increased majority in the federal Parliament. Mr Howard was greeted with a tumultuous reception when he arrived to address the party faithful at the Wentworth Hotel in Sydney. "My fellow Australians, can I say first of all I am truly humbled by this extraordinary expression of confidence in the leadership of this great nation by the Coalition," he said. "The first thing I say to the Australian people in accepting their charge to lead the nation in the years ahead is to re-dedicate myself and all of my colleagues to the service of the Australian people. This nation stands on the threshold of great achievements." He thanked Labor leader Mark Latham for his gracious comments in conceding defeat. He also paid tribute to deputy Prime Minister and Nationals leader John Anderson and Treasurer Peter Costello for his management of the economy. "One of the reasons we have won is that we have been a united team," he said. Mr Howard says Australia "stands on the threshold of a new era of great achievement. This is a proud nation, a confident nation, a cohesive nation, a united nation, a nation that can achieve anything if it sets its mind to it." He described Australia as a beacon of hope and tolerance all around the world. "The rest of the world sees us as a strong, successful nation and tonight the Australian people, by their decision, have declared themselves confident about their future," he said. "We have a strong economy, we are a nation that is respected around the world because we are prepared to stand up for what we believe in. Never forget the fact that governments are elected to govern for the people who voted for them, but also for the people who voted against them." He says the election result is historic, being the first time since the 1960s that an incumbent government has increased its majority at two consecutive elections. |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #12 Excellent!!! |
| Posted by: Ptah 2004-10-09 9:44:08 PM |
| #11 Woohoo! Good on ya, Australia! |
| Posted by: BH 2004-10-09 9:35:22 PM |
| #10 ahhhhh yes, for Antiwar I have only to say: please slit your wrists in the tub, to save someone the cleanup |
| Posted by: Frank G 2004-10-09 9:12:49 PM |
| #9 A great day for Australia. And the world (though most of the world are too stupid to know it). |
| Posted by: Barbara Skolaut 2004-10-09 7:51:49 PM |
| #8 A historic win. Not only did Howard increase his majority, but it looks like his party has gained control of the Senate for the first time in a generation. The Jakarta embassy bombing did not result in a rerun of Madrid, and some dirty tricks by the media may well have back-fired. The day before the election, the media gave prominent coverage to a Australian Gitmo detainee's lawyer who accused the Howard government of being complicit in torturing his client. Lets hope Bush wins in November. |
| Posted by: phil_b 2004-10-09 6:45:31 PM |
| #7 Excellent news! Reality must really suck for you, eh, Antiwar? YEE HAH! |
| Posted by: Dar 2004-10-09 5:47:28 PM |
| #6 Good on ya mate! We send all our love and congratulations from the United States of America. |
| Posted by: an dalusian dog 2004-10-09 4:41:57 PM |
| #5 Great news indeed. Time to start thinking about upping Australia's world role, perhaps by including them in a new security organization that would parallel (and eventually make obsolete) the UNSC. Perhaps the UNSC five + Japan, Ger, India, Australia, SoKorea for a start, and dedicate their efforts toward containing WMD and responding aggressively, pre-emptively, and globally against terror. Maybe add Indonesia, Poland, Brazil, Turkey after a few years. |
| Posted by: lex 2004-10-09 4:20:02 PM |
| #4 I am very glad and relieved to hear that Mr. Howard won the election. The Australian vote was a referendum on Australia's stand in the WoT. A radical change in stance would have sent a message to radicals everywhere, and would have created the perception that Australia could be further exploited and weakened. This is good news---great news. I do not know what would happen if Howard's govt fell, and then Kerry was elected. Britain would go, too. We are at a critical juncture in history. |
| Posted by: Alaska Paul 2004-10-09 1:46:47 PM |
| #3 Aussies got it right. Did you know that voting is a requirement in Australia? Seems like a good idea. Insures good turnout. |
| Posted by: John (Q. Citizen) 2004-10-09 12:26:37 PM |
| #2 What a relief! Hooray for the Australian people and for us as well! Australia is an excellent ally. |
| Posted by: ex-lib 2004-10-09 12:09:49 PM |
| #1 There is a GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| Posted by: Anonymous4724 2004-10-09 11:25:48 AM |