FED:More likely ALP approached Turnbull: Truss

AAP General News (Australia)
08-23-2009
FED:More likely ALP approached Turnbull: Truss

CANBERRA, Aug 23 AAP - Nationals leader Warren Truss says he backs Malcolm Turnbull's
version of events when it comes to his supposed discussion with senior ALP figures to
join Labor a decade ago.

Mr Truss said he doubted Labor reports that the now-opposition leader had actively
courted senior Labor figures, including former prime minister Bob Hawke and then opposition
leader Kim Beazley, for a job as the party's finance spokesman in 1999.

Mr Turnbull apparently had become disillusioned with the Liberal leader John Howard
after the failed republic referendum, Labor heavyweights told News Ltd.

Mr Truss said it was much easier to believe Mr Turnbull's account - that Labor approached
him, not the other way around.

"This story has been around for ages, (but) Malcolm said he was approached by the Labor
Party, at the time he was involved in the republican movement and all sorts of other causes,"

he told ABC Television on Sunday.

"Frankly, I think Malcolm's version of events is more believable."

Although the Nationals "don't get involved in the Liberal Party's leadership issues",
Mr Truss said he supported Mr Turnbull, who has been under pressure after a series of
bad polls and the OzCar email affair.

Mr Turnbull's particular skills in economics would be critical to the coalition given
the global financial climate, Mr Truss said.

AAP cj/ash/cdh

KEYWORD: TURNBULL TRUSS

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