While Tony Abbott may trail behind Malcolm Turnbull and Julie Bishop as preferred leader of the LNP, the contest between Abbott and the opposition leader Bill Shorten is a far more convincing victory. Among voters dealt a Shorten or Abbott ultimatum, “stability wins,” claims the Sydney Morning Herald’s Mark Kenny today, as a series of Fairfax focus groups put the spotlight on public opinion of Australia’s opposing political leaders.
Post-budget focus groups held in Sydney and Melbourne on the two leaders revealed telling signs of disdain for both sides of Parliament’s highest ranks – participants were asked to describe Bill Shorten and Tony Abbott in two words or less.
For Shorten, being “unknown” and lacking in personality featured: “unknown and uncharacteristic,” “dull personality,” and “Spineless and boring” were some of the perceptions of the Labor Leader. “Tacky and fake” also caught a mention.
As for Abbott? Responses are hardly more flattering, but at least the scathing insult of “boring” wasn’t being thrown around. “Unimpressive and blokey,” “guarded and misleading,” “dull and puppet” and “doofus” all featured as focus groups’ responses to Abbott. At least one person made sure “Lizard” was also included as their immediate reaction to the Prime Minister.
The reactions are hardly promising news for Shorten and Abbott, who perhaps share only one common trait: as leaders of parties with preferred, potential predecessors eyeing off the top spot from the sidelines.
Bring on Tacky vs. Lizard 2016.
via the Sydney Morning Herald.
Lead image by Lisa Maree Williams via Getty.
