Howard all smiles

Jane Emerick
BY JANE EMERICK
PRIME Minister John Howard shook hands, cooed at babies and smiled at protestors yesterday at an Ocean Grove community meeting.
The PM told the audience he wasn’t “gloomy” about the future of the environment and that it was “crazy” to rule out nuclear power in Australia.
Outside the Surfside Community Centre about 50 union protestors jeered the PM as his arrived and departed.
Mr Howard, dropped off within metres of the entrance, gave the protestors a quick smile before being greeted by a larger group of supporters inside the building.
When asked about the environment and his plan to combat global warming, Mr Howard said he wasn’t as worried as some pessimists.
“We need to keep our heads about us and change the way we live without destroying our economic assets,” he said.
“But I do not subscribe to the doomsday theory.”
Mr Howard also said alternative ways to combating climate change should be explored.
“Given our large sources of uranium, we would be absolutely crazy to rule out nuclear energy,” Mr Howard said.
“I am a great believer in renewables but we need to have an open mind.”
Mr Howard also fielded questions about nursing, Aboriginal affairs, superannuation and his relationship with foreign leaders, including his admitted “great” relationship with US president George Bush.
“I have respect for Mr Bush and we get on quite well,” Mr Howard said.
Questions from the invited audience were soft in nature with several beginning with a compliment.
One elderly man thanked the PM for the “sensational” job he was doing as “captain” of Australia and then asked why Labor was leading in the polls.
Mr Howard responded that the lead could be the result of Australia showing a lack of appreciation.
“I think there’s a view in the community, possibly held by some, possibly held by a significant number that our economy’s stability and growth is something that happens naturally.
“They think the economy is on auto-pilot,” Howard said.
“People in Australia have possibly come to take the strong economy for granted.