Fed: Howard should fear Razor Rudd, says relative

AAP General News (Australia)
12-05-2006
Fed: Howard should fear Razor Rudd, says relative

By Jessica Marszalek

BRISBANE, Dec 5 AAP - Australians will fall in love with Kevin Rudd's wicked humour,
razor-sharp wit and his humanity, says a relative from the other side of the political
fence.

Tom Hulett, a conservative Maroochy Shire councillor on Queensland's Sunshine Coast,
is married to Mr Rudd's cousin Carmel and today said those who knew him best were amazed
by the inconsistencies between his head prefect-like public profile and the real man.

He said Mr Rudd and his brother Greg were always the ringleaders at boisterous family
gatherings where there was always "a bit of good natured ragging" between the two politicians.

"He's certainly no dullard and he's not dull and boring, he has a wicked sense of humour,"

Mr Hulett said.

"He has personality and that's one of the most stunning comments I've read of him being
conservative (and) bookish."

He said once the "real" Kevin Rudd began to be conveyed in the media his popularity would grow.

"I think the Australian love affair with Kevin Rudd will be slow in developing but
enduring and endearing so I think he should stay as he is because the real Kevin Rudd
is a superb bloke," he said.

"You're talking to a conservative here, I think John Howard has very, very much something
to fear.

"This guy is razor sharp, he's certainly brighter than Howard, and I respect Howard
as one of the best prime ministers we've had.

"...There's a humanity about him (Mr Rudd)."

Mr Hulett said he had followed the "dangerously competent" Mr Rudd during his career,
having first seen the military way he dispensed with opponents as a teacher judging a
young Kevin Rudd in debating competitions.

"John Howard is coming to the end of his reign and I'm very proud of what he's done,"

Mr Hulett said.

"I see daylight between Kevin Rudd and the next most suitable leader for the country
regardless of politics.

"Australia needs Rudd. It's just up to Australia to understand who this Rudd bloke is."

AAP jmm/sc/sp

KEYWORD: LABOR HULETT (PIX AVAILABLE)

2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.