Is this good or bad for Howard?
The coalition lead by Howard is considerably behind in the polls - so an election will be hard for Howard to win.
But an election has to be called by January 19th next year anyway.
Howard has chosen to go now, with a six week official campaign in the hope he will be able to pull back Labor’s lead in the polls and retain office.
Personally, I think he’ll do it. But it’s going to be close.