Battleground. Why The Liberal Party Shirtfronted Tony Abbott

Cover Type: Softcover
Book Condition: Very Good
Jacket Condition: None Issued
Publisher: Melbourne University Press
Publisher Place: Carlton
Publisher Year: 2015
Edition: First Edition

Description: 234 pages. Book is in Very good condition throughout.

Publishers Description: Battleground chronicles the paradox of the Abbott prime ministership: the virtues of loyalty when pragmatism was required; strong social values at odds with community attitudes; and honesty when tactics and strategy were essential. All would bring him undone. Tony Abbott came to office lauded as the most effective leader of the opposition since Whitlam, but the signs of an imperfect transition to the prime ministership would soon emerge. Why did Abbott fail to grow into the job to which he had aspired for decades Backbenchers complained about the leaders office, the lack of access, front benchers leaked cabinet processes to the media. His long apprenticeship in religion, journalism and political life prepared him for neither the mundane business of people management nor the commanding heights of national leadership. Public goodwill evaporated after a tough first budget the government failed to explain. Inside the Liberal party individual ambitions and a succession of poor polls produced increasing concern that the next election was lost. As a result, the horse named self-interest won yet again.

ISBN: 9780522869712