Former Prime Minister John Howard says factionalism continues to undermine the Liberal Party
Former prime minister and Liberal icon John Howard has offered some wise words to the state Liberal Party as it continues to show signs of infighting.
SA News
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Former prime minister and Liberal heavyweight John Howard has conceded factionalism continues to undermine the state Liberal Party, but stopped short of offering any advice to fix the problem.
Mr Howard appeared at the Arkaba Hotel on Thursday, in support of James Stevens and Nicolle Flint – as they started their campaigns for the federal seats of Sturt and Boothby.
Fronting up to the media, Mr Howard – who seemed to still revel in the political back and forth – was asked his opinion of the current infighting between former Opposition Leader David Speirs and his replacement Vincent Tarzia.
“Well, I won’t use such pejorative expressions,” Mr Howard said.
“But I will say this about my party, and that is that there’s too much factionalism.
“It’s true of the South Australian division. It’s true of the New South Wales division.
“Factionalism around policy difference is one thing, but factionalism, which is no more than the competition between different preferment cooperatives, is bad.”
Pushed on what a leader should say to a former leader who is providing unhelpful commentary to the media on the sidelines, Mr Howard deflected saying: “I’m going to respect that every little parish has its own method of choosing its peers”.
Earlier in the day Mr Tarzia avoided questions from the media, walking with significant purpose for the Arkaba entrance, declining to comment on whether he and Mr Speirs had met.
It is understood the two Liberal members had a discussion on Wednesday.
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