Press Release

PM worst pollie to be stuck next to on plane: Survey

November 12, 2007

PRIME Minister John Howard is the politician that Australians would least like being trapped next to on a long-haul plane flight, according to a new survey.

The survey, conducted by leading online travel marketplace totaltravel.com, asked the question 'Which politician would you least like to be seated next to on a long-haul flight?

There were 3015 respondents to the survey, which ran over three weeks.

Online voters could choose from either Mr Howard, Opposition leader Kevin Rudd, Greens Senator Bob Brown, Deputy Labour leader Julia Gillard or Treasurer Peter Costello.

29% of voters (861 people) thought that John Howard would be the worst of the politicians to sit next to on a long-haul flight.

The PM was followed by his colleague Peter Costello (22% or 651 votes) and Julia Gillard was in third place with 18% (530 people).

Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd and Bob Brown were the most popular of the bunch, each polling 16% of the vote (Rudd with 493 votes and Brown, 480 votes).

totaltravel.com global marketing manager Paul Fisher said the survey results were an interesting glimpse into the mindset of the Australian public prior to the Federal Election on Saturday, November 24.

"Does the public's reluctance to be seated next to the Prime Minister point to a negative result for him in the upcoming election, or do people simply think he is a poor conversationalist but a good leader?" Mr Fisher said.

"It's probably a good thing that the PM travels by private jet."

Mr Fisher said he would be watching the results of the election closely.

totaltravel.com was established in 2002 and is Australia's number one online marketplace for travellers and travel suppliers. Travellers can research destinations, read the opinions of other travellers, find travel offers and then deal directly with travel suppliers to save money.

ENDS

Media enquires:
Paul Fisher
Global Marketing Manager
totaltravel.com
Phone +61 (0)2 6680-8755
Mobile 0404 057 367