After the past 2 changes of government in Australia, the 1st election after the change has seen huge swings to the opposition. In 1998 Beazley won the 2 party preferred vote, but lost the election because of the seat based system. At subsequent elections, the governments have extended their winning margins. If Costello knew that the world financial system was about to collapse, he is a fool for not having taken the leadership. Facing an inexperienced government encountering the most severe financial crisis in 80 years would be fertile ground for any politician. Far from being difficult and unrewarding, to have been an effective opposition leader in the current climate would have been a piece of cake. The truth about Costello's prophecies of doom while treasurer were they were more about fear mongering not to risk Labor (similar to the campaign run in 2004), than predictions which he himself believed. (If he believed them he would have taken on the leadership: Not give an opponent like Turnbull a shot). To get the leadership off Turnbull in this environment, he'll have a major fight on his hands: Turnbull won't give up when he has a genuine shot at being PM in 2010. Does Peter C have the stomach for the fight? Not if his past behaviour is any guide.
