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About UsAround AustraliaFront page Howard talks down federal
threat in Queensland election result  KERRY O'BRIEN: And the PM
has had plenty to reflect on in the past 36 hours, and he joins
me now from our Darwin studio.  KERRY O'BRIEN: John Howard, as
one of the great political survivors, how are you going to dig
your way out of this one?  JOHN HOWARD, PRIME MINISTER: I think
present circumstances are character-forming and the next few
months are going to be quite a challenge.  And I don't
underestimate that challenge.  In the end, Kerry, the people of
Australia have to choose between this Government and the
economic strength and stability it's given Australia, and a
return to the 17 per cent interest rates, the $80 billion of
government debt and the 11 per cent unemployment which is a
hallmark of the last time Mr Beazley had a senior position in
government.  And the first thing I would sa