Australia: Polls show govt could be 'annihilated'

Australian Prime Minister John Howard today vowed to lead his conservative government to elections this year against a surging opposition, while admitting opinion polls suggest his government will be “annihilated”.

Analysts in Canberra said Mr Howard’s unusual admission that the government faced electoral oblivion was a strategic play with the dual goals of steeling his allies for a tough fight ahead and spooking voters who may be considering switching sides.