Not Happy John - revisited

Many will remember the best-selling book, back in 2004 [before the last Federal election] "Not Happy John" - which catalogued a series of John Howard evasions, deceptions, alleged dishonesties and cant over the years.

Howard has, often, made much of his alleged honesty and integrity. The man protesteth too much? That aside, to what extent people have "bought" what Howard has said of himself might be a moot point.

Today's "bombshell" [as the SMH describes Costello's revelation of his meeting with Howard in December 1994] that Howard did - despite Howard's strenuous denials even as late as this morning - in effect, promise the prime-ministership to Peter Costello after Howard had served 1 1/2 terms in office as PM, must surely put pay to Howard's standing.

Read the latest on the "bombshell" here.

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