Poll tips Aussie election Howard's way - just

The government of hardline Australian Prime Minister John Howard has a narrow lead in opinion polls heading into the final week of campaigning ahead of the country's general election.

The result is far from a foregone conclusion, however, as the opposition Labour party is narrowing the gap, according to two new polls.

Both showed Howard’s three-term conservative administration leading the opposition Labour Party by 52% to 48%.

Howard had a clear lead in the popularity stakes over his Labour rival Mark Latham. Latham was listed as preferred prime minister by 52% compared to Latham’s 40%.