Former prime minister Bob Hawke can’t wait to leave hospital for a cigar
FORMER Prime Minister Bob Hawke is undergoing “minor tests” at Royal North Shore Hospital and cannot wait to get home for a cigar.
NSW
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FORMER Prime Minister Bob Hawke is undergoing “minor tests” at Royal North Shore Hospital and cannot wait to get home for a cigar.
Mr Hawke’s wife Blanche d’Alpuget visited him in hospital this morning and waved to reporters as she left without making any comment on his condition.
After he was taken to hospital on Monday afternoon she told The Daily Telegraph: “He’s fine.”
Another source close to the family said: “Hawkie is fine and anxious to get home and back to his cigar and crosswords”. The source denied reports Mr Hawke had suffered a stroke.
A Labor spokesman said the 88-year-old is undergoing “minor” tests.
“I can confirm on background that Bob is fine,” the spokesman said in a statement.
“(He’s) Just in hospital for some minor tests, nothing serious.”
The former ALP leader served as Australia’s 23rd prime minister from 1983-1991 and led Labor to four consecutive election victories.
Mr Hawke’s place in the Labor pantheon was formally acknowledged in 2009 when he became only the third person to be awarded national life membership of the party.
Originally published as Former prime minister Bob Hawke can’t wait to leave hospital for a cigar
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