Costello plays down leadership pollFederal Treasurer Peter...

Costello plays down leadership poll

Federal Treasurer Peter Costello says he is not worried that today's AC Nielsen poll found the Coalition would have a greater chance of losing the federal election if he took over as leader.

The poll found a Costello-led government would lose to Labor 39 percent to 61 percent on a two-party-preferred basis.

Mr Costello says the Government is aware of Labor's strong standing in recent polls but it is too early to be worried.

"The federal election is going to happen some time later this year. There's a lot of time, a lot of water to go under the bridge between now and then," he said.

"The Opposition has enjoyed a honeymoon, there's no doubt about it, but the real business is about to begin, the business of economic management."