Paul Keating

Paul John Keating (born 18 January 1944), Australian politician and 24th Prime Minister of Australia, came to prominence first as the reforming Treasurer in the Hawke government, then as the Prime Minister who pulled off an upset victory in the "unwinnable" election of 1993. In his second term, however, his "big picture" failed to impress an electorate increasingly concerned about economic issues, and he was defeated in 1996.

Defeat

The Liberal Party failed to present a credible alternative Prime Minister for some time, and Keating seemed secure. Alexander Downer replaced Hewson as leader in 1994, but failed to make any impression on Keating's standing. When John Howard regained the Liberal leadership in early 1995, many voters responded to his more socially conservative message. One warning signal was the loss of a by-election in the seat of Canberra in 1995, but Keating failed to change course.

Related Topics:
Alexander Downer - 1994 - John Howard - 1995 - By-election - Canberra

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At the March 1996 election, Howard led the Liberals to a sweeping victory, ending the longest period of Labor government in Australia's federal history. Keating immediately resigned from Parliament, and kept a low profile in retirement as a director of various companies. He separated from his wife in late November of 1998, not long after he left politics. During the Howard years Keating has made occasional speeches bitterly criticising his successor's social policies, and disavowing perceived weaknesses in his own policies (such as those on East Timor and the Australian economy), but stayed out of Labor Party affairs.

Related Topics:
1996 - 1998 - East Timor

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