9.09am: Kevin Rudd is on. He says his backers regard him as "the best prospect to lead the ALP to the next election" and the best prospect to "save" the ALP.
He has also not held back on the viciousness of the attacks flying back and forth in the past 24 hours.
"I have been shocked and disappointed by the tone and content of the intensely personal attacks lodged at me overnight.
"I don't believe these sorts of vicious personal attacks have a place in national affairs.
"I'd urge my own supporters not to retaliate and engage in these sorts of vicious attacks. I don't believe they have a place in Australian politics."
The statesmanlike Rudd of old has returned. He has also launched straight into his re-election pitch, emphasising the need to "cultivate a new sense of unity in our country."
"This question of the future of the leadership of our party and our country is not about personality. it's about trust and it's also about policy and vision."
He also plays the stability card, emphasising we're "not out of hot water yet" given the state of the global economy. He says the country needs "stable hands", "experience", "competence" and "discipline".
He promises to make a full statement about his plans when he returns to Australia.
Read more:
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/polit...le-explodes-20120223-1tovb.html#ixzz1n9jNSTRS
