SYDNEY -- In these days of crisis -- as Australia sends troops to fight the Taliban in Afghanistan and thousands of boat people try to reach Australia illegally -- what more does Prime Minister John Howard need to win a national election this coming Saturday?
Precious little, you could say. And you'd be right. All the polls point to Howard romping home. His conservative government looks set to win a third term, ensuring his steady-as-she-goes administration continues in benign social reform for the next three years.
His coalition of Liberal and National parties could even achieve an increased majority in the House of Representatives, comfortably large enough to push radical reforms. But that is not his style. Nor will a hostile Senate allow his ambitious deputy, Peter Costello, much adventure.