FED:Robb confident of deal with independents

AAP General News (Australia)
08-22-2010
FED:Robb confident of deal with independents

CANBERRA, Aug 22 AAP - Opposition frontbencher Andrew Robb is confident the federal
coalition can stitch up a deal with the independents that would avoid voters having to
go back to the polls.

At the close of counting at 2.00am (AEST) on Sunday the Australian Electoral Commission
had Labor and coalition each winning 71 seats with three independents and an Australia
Green.

Four other seats are too close to call.

"I am confident if we can put together a winning majority combination," Mr Robb told
ABC Television on Sunday.

He believes the independents will be intent on maintaining their contribution in the
political process.

"I am very confident that they will see, because they have the national interest at
heart, that we offer that stability."

Mr Robb said Opposition Leader Tony Abbott was the only party leader with a positive
agenda that could "govern competently tomorrow".

Labor divisions would be "unbelievable" because of recriminations about the dumping
of former prime minister Kevin Rudd for Julia Gillard.

The power struggles and payback would be of "enormous proportions".

"Labor is a recipe for instability in the future," he said, adding the party had lost
its legitimacy to govern."

AAP cb/rl/jm

KEYWORD: POLL10 ROBB

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