FED:Rudd has had it tough: Albanese

AAP General News (Australia)
08-07-2010
FED:Rudd has had it tough: Albanese

SYDNEY, Aug 7 AAP - Kevin Rudd has been through tough times, but he is ready to support
Julie Gillard who deposed him as prime minister, says Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese.

Ms Gillard and Mr Rudd are meeting on Saturday to discuss his role in Labor's national
election campaign strategy.

The meeting comes six weeks after Ms Gillard challenged him for the top job and snatched
it without a Labor caucus vote.

Mr Rudd is still recovering from gall bladder surgery, but has publicly vowed to support
Labor's election campaign beyond his Brisbane electorate of Griffith.

"Kevin Rudd's been through a difficult time, particularly on the health front," Mr
Albanese told reporters on Saturday in Sydney.

"I'm sure it will be a productive meeting.

"Kevin Rudd has said that he is willing to support, each and every day, the re-election
of the Gillard-Labor government."

Mr Albanese ignored questions from the media about Labor trailing in the voter polls
and whether he was ready for a possible Labor return to opposition.

AAP vpm/it

KEYWORD: POLL10 ALBANESE

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