Williams lashes Windsor over crocodile tears for govt 1 hour ago
Politics
AAP
Independent MP Tony Windsor has been accused of crying crocodile tears over his support of the Gillard government, after he suggested it did not deserve the backing of crossbenchers until Labor could resolve its leadership.
Speaking to ABC Television last night, Mr Windsor criticised the government over the ongoing leadership speculation dogging Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
"If they continue with this election mode and this whole business about who the leader is, well they might get to an election quicker than the September 14," he said.
But Nationals senator John Williams ridiculed the country independent, saying his statement was just a pre-election strategy to distance himself from the government.
"He has supported the government all the way through and now as we get closer to an election time he's saying, `Hang on, where's your stability, or we might reconsider our support'," Senator Williams said.
"He's crying crocodile tears."
But Mr Windsor had more sympathy from one of Senator William's coalition colleagues, Liberal Simon Birmingham.
"Julia Gillard (has) given Australia the longest election campaign in history," he said.
"Frankly, it is right for Tony Windsor to say we need a government that is not besotted with leadership issues.
"We need a government that is not in a permanent election campaign mode."
