Keating takes on "the dessicated coconut"

Former prime minister Paul Keating today spoke out in support of Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd, who is under pressure from the government over three meetings he had with Brian Burke in 2005.

John Howard has attacked Mr Rudd over three meetings the federal opposition leader had with the former Labor premier in 2005.

Mr Keating referred to Treasurer Peter Costello as "all tip and no iceberg" and John Howard as a dessicated coconut.

"The little dessicated coconut is under pressure and he is attacking anything he can get his hands on," Mr Keating told ABC radio.

Mr Keating said the Liberal Party was in no position to complain about Mr Burke.

"Have a look at all the bag men in the Liberal Party, for God sake. If you applied the sanitary test to those guys, I mean no minister would do any business in this country," he said.

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The Age Poll 05/03/07

Has Kevin Rudd's reputation been tarnished by his meetings with Brian Burke?

Yes - 18%
No - 82%

Total Votes: 1906