FED:Spectre of Rudd looms large

AAP General News (Australia)
08-01-2010
FED:Spectre of Rudd looms large

News Limited is standing by a report which claims former prime minister KEVIN RUDD
was used by the Liberals as a leaking double-agent.

Former Liberal foreign minister ALEXANDER DOWNER made the comments .. but has since
said he was misinterpreted.

In a statement this afternoon .. News Limited says it stands by its report.

The article quoted Mr DOWNER as saying Mr RUDD was used "mercilessly to embarrass"

then-Labor foreign affairs spokesman LAURIE BRERETON .. whom Mr RUDD later replaced.

An unedited transcript of the interview with Mr DOWNER has also been released .. clearly
showing he did in fact make the remarks.

Mr RUDD has rejected the claims as completely false.

AAP RTV kms/jen

KEYWORD: POLL10 (CANBERRA)

� 2010 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.