Fed: Howard dismisses talk of Hanson comeback

AAP General News (Australia)
12-08-2006
Fed: Howard dismisses talk of Hanson comeback

CANBERRA, Dec 8 AAP - Prime Minister John Howard does not believe One Nation founder
Pauline Hanson will make a successful political comeback.

Ms Hanson this week said she would run in next year's federal election - and expressed
her concerns about the number of "black South Africans" infected with AIDS emigrating
to Australia.

She also claims Australians are being banned from swimming in public baths because
of the sensitivities of Muslims.

Asked if he thought Ms Hanson would be successful again at the polls, Mr Howard told
Southern Cross Broadcasting today: "I don't think so, but that will be for the voters.

"I don't believe that people are very interested in what she is saying now."

Mr Howard said that while he was critical of "zealous multiculturalism", he did not
believe people should be singled out for their race or religion.

"I don't think particular groups should be targeted," Mr Howard said.

"You know the strength of my feeling about a cohesive Australian culture and my beliefs
that when people come to this country they should become Australians and I have always
been very critical of zealous multiculturalism as you know over the years.

"But I don't think it really helps to target people by reference to their race or their
religion.".

Mr Howard said that as long as people behaved like "good Australians" it did not matter
what the colour of their skin was or which god they worshipped.

"I'd like to believe that we treat people according to how they behave and if they
behave like Australians and are good Australians the fact that they are black or of a
different religion from what I might be doesn't matter," he said.

AAP nb/it/bwl

KEYWORD: HANSON HOWARD

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