Fed: Downer says FTA will be poll issue

AAP General News (Australia)
08-04-2004
Fed: Downer says FTA will be poll issue

Foreign Minister ALEXANDER DOWNER says Labor leader MARK LATHAM's indecision over the
US free trade agreement will work against him in the upcoming election.

Mr LATHAM has said a Labor government would add other safeguards to the agreement,
in addition to the two amendments the opposition is demanding before they will support
the deal.

Mr DOWNER says Mr LATHAM has held four different views on the FTA in recent months.

He says Mr LATHAM's indecision and politicking over an issue of such national interest
proves he doesn't have the capacity to be prime minister -- and it will influence people's
opinions at the polls.

Mr DOWNER says it's up to the Labor party whether the FTA is passed before a federal
election, and if it is not, the agreement will become a significant campaign issue.

AAP RTV pjo/sb/ajc/rp h

KEYWORD: TRADE US DOWNER (CANBERRA)

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