Our MP ignites national debate on PM Darren loves Julia

Alex de Vos
A local MP has fired national debate on who should be Prime Minister with a public backing of Julia Gillard as “in line” to take the top job.
Labor Member for Corangamite Darren Cheeseman gave his apparent endorsement of Kevin Rudd’s deputy to media outside Parliament House in Canberra this week.
Mr Cheeseman said he “had a lot of faith and confidence in the capacity” of Ms Gillard, who was “naturally” in line to become Prime Minister
Mr Cheeseman’s comments followed reports revealing a drop in Mr Rudd’s approval rating in a latest national opinion poll.
Mr Rudd’s voter satisfaction rating has slumped to its lowest level since he became Labor leader.
The poll found that 48 per cent of respondents were satisfied with Mr Rudd’s performance and 41 per cent were dissatisfied.
Liberal Senator Michael Ronaldson accused Mr Cheeseman of “undermining” Mr Rudd.
Mr Ronaldson described Mr Cheeseman’s succession plan as an “attack on the Prime Minister”.
“Mr Cheeseman’s comments about the future leadership appear to be deliberately aimed at the Prime Minister,” Mr Ronaldson said.
“The undermining of the Prime Minister by Mr Cheeseman is potentially bad news for Corangamite and Mr Cheeseman will only have himself to blame when the inevitable consequence of his attack on the Prime Minister plays out.”
Mr Cheeseman refused to speak directly to the Independent on Mr Ronaldson’s attack and whether he preferred Ms Gillard as Prime Minister.
In an emailed statement to the Independent from his media advisor, Mr Cheeseman labelled Mr Ronaldson’s comments “utter nonsense”.
“I was replying specifically to a question about Julia’s performance,” the statement said.
“Is Senator Ronaldson really saying I have to trash talk Julia to imply praise for Kevin? Seriously, Senator Ronaldson needs to get a grip.
“Kevin and Julia have made the Australian economy the envy of the world and I believe they are the most formidable political team to ever lead Australia.”