Australian populist Prime Minister John Howard doesn't mind being compared to Kylie Minogue, unsurprisingly embracing the idea that they are both safe, predictable and lack innovation.
Canberra writer Mark Juddery's column in yesterday's 'Australian' newspaper claimed, "Whether visiting a record shop or a polling booth, people steer clear of the innovators."However, the arch-conservative PM told ABC radio in Sydney, "If the Australian people believe that the Government I lead has given them a sense of safety and predictability, well I'm not ashamed of that.
"It is part of my job to make the country safe and to give people's lives a sense of predictability."
Juddery went on to compare previous Labor PM Paul Keating to a pair of Australian rock icons, writing, "Neither Howard nor Minogue are known for their innovation. Keating was an innovator, which is one reason he lost an election to Howard. Radio Birdman and the Go-Betweens were innovators as well. They could only dream about having Minogue's record sales. Her music is safe and predictable, which is exactly what Howard tries to be (even though, leading a world nation, he can't really be those things)."
The prime minister went on to tell journalist Virginia Trioli, "I'm certainly not offended, I'm flattered.
"She's a very popular, talented entertainer and I'm a - I hope - safe, predictable, serious, committed prime minister."
The prime minister has previously claimed to be a fan of Bob Dylan - but only "for the music"...
