Dailies calling for change of government

TONY Abbott has been endorsed by major metropolitan newspapers, in a boost for Coalition morale leading into tomorrow's election.

TONY Abbott has been endorsed by major metropolitan newspapers, in a boost for Coalition morale leading into tomorrow's election.

In addition to receiving the nod today from The Australian, he has the backing of The Daily Telegraph in Sydney, Melbourne's Herald Sun and Brisbane daily The Courier Mail, all News Limited titles.

Adelaide stablemate The Advertiser has stuck with the home-town girl, advocating a vote for Julia Gillard and Labor. "As close as it will be, Ms Gillard and Labor should be given a second chance," The Advertiser editorialises. "That vote should be made with the clear understanding that the time for dithering is over."

The Courier Mail's endorsement will be welcome for the Opposition Leader, given the importance of Queensland, with its swag of marginal seats. Like The Australian, the paper has reversed its decision to support Labor under Kevin Rudd at the 2007 election.

"Tony Abbott has emerged as an unexpected leader of the Liberal Party and, like many leaders, has already shown how he can grow with responsibility," the Brisbane paper says in its editorial.

"His critics regard it as a weakness that he will not allow strongly held personal positions to determine public policy. This, in fact, is a strength and shows a commitment to the people he aspires to serve."

The Daily Telegraph says it feels badly let down by Labor, after backing Mr Rudd at the last election. Mr Abbott had run a "strong if unenlightening campaign". While the paper questions his "rudimentary knowledge" of the digital world, it contrasts this favourably with its "instinctive knowledge" of what he stands for.

The Herald Sun says it endorses Mr Abbott "without any great enthusiasm" and slams the "vacuous arguments" presented by both leaders during the campaign.

Fairfax newspapers The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age endorsed Labor.

"Julia Gillard has done enough to be given a chance to lead the nation, and not to be the first prime minister in 80 years to lead a government tossed out after one term," the Herald says. "Surely we are not so addicted to change. We will be back here in three years or less - and then we will be able truly and fairly to judge Gillard and her government."

Australia's two largest-selling newspapers, News Limited's The Sunday Telegraph in NSW and the Sunday Herald Sun in Victoria, both endorsed Labor.