“My fellow Australians, a few moments ago, I telephoned Mr Kevin Rudd and congratulate dhim and the Labor Party on an emphatic victory.
“He assumes the mantle of the 26th Prime Minister of AUstralia and there is no greater job.
“I wish him well in the task he will undertake, and I want to say on behalf of the coaltion that has governed for 11 1/2 years this country that we bequeath to him a nation that is stronger and prouder and more propserous than it was 11 1/2 years ago, and can I say to all of you that it has been an immense privilege to be the Prime Minister of this beautiful country, and I want to thank the AUstralian people for the privilege they have given me over that time. I respect it and I honour it.
The Australian people are the greatest people on earth and this is the greatest country on earth.
I’ve lead a government that has taken this country from deep debt to prosperity, a goverment that has never shirked responsibility.
Thanking people - parliamentary colleagues. Particularly Mark Vaile, John Anderson, Tim FIshcer (Deputy PMS), my Treasurer and Deputy, Peter Costello. A special debt of gratitude.
He endorses Costello as the future of the party.
Has to call for quiet so he can continue to speak.
Condolences to those who’ve lost their seats.
Particularly Mal Brough.
It’s hard for Howard to speak - keeps being interrupted by calls from the audience.
Accepts fulls responsibility for the campaign, and for the defeat.
Cries of No from the audience.
The Liberal Party will need to choose a new Leader, and he endorses Peter Costello.
“The end of my political career.”
“I owe more to the Liberal Party than the Liberal Party owes to me.”
Cries of “We love you, John.”
“I will love the Liberal Party for the rest of my life.”
Thanks his family.
Thanks his personal staff.
Thanks his family.
His wife, Janette.
They’re holding hands.
“The love of my life. My rock, my adviser.”
“I owe everything to a wonderful strong family.”
“I want to say how much I love her, and how much I am in her debt.”
Says he may have lost his seat. But thanks the peopel of that seat who have elected him for 33 years.
“TO all the people of Australia, it has been a tremendous honour, privilege and opportunity to have served you.”
He is tearing up.
“I wish this nation well. I believe very profoundly that AUstralia’s best years lie ahead of it, and I wish the government elected today the very best in the time ahead of it.”
BTTT