Nelson happy for Costello to stay in politics
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There will be a tribute dinner for Peter Costello tonight. (ABC News: file photo)
Federal Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson says he would be happy if former treasurer Peter Costello stayed in politics.
There is intense speculation about whether Mr Costello will retire or make a return to the Opposition frontbench.
Earlier, Liberal frontbencher Tony Abbott added fuel to the fire of the Liberal leadership debate by saying Mr Costello was the party's "best political asset".
Dr Nelson has been under pressure over the leadership because he is trailing Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in the opinion polls.
When asked about Mr Costello's plans today, Dr Nelson praised the former treasurer's economic management ability and said it was up to Mr Costello to decide if he wanted to run for leader.
"We are worse off under Mr Rudd than we were under the Coalition government and Peter's made his decision that he did not seek the leadership of the party," Dr Nelson said.
"And as I've said before I'd be very happy if he changes his mind; that's his business."
A spokesman later clarified that Dr Nelson meant he would be happy for Mr Costello to change his mind about quitting politics.
A tribute dinner will be held for Mr Costello tonight but the Opposition's education spokesman, Tony Smith, has told Channel Ten he does not expect Mr Costello to reveal his plans tonight.
"The dinner's been planned for a long time, I wouldn't expect him to make any announcements about anything," he said.
"I'd expect him to come along and everyone there will thank him and that's the purpose of the dinner."
