FED: Fischer saddened by Keating comments on political cost

AAP General News (Australia)
08-04-1999
FED: Fischer saddened by Keating comments on political cost

CANBERRA, Aug 4 AAP - Former National Party leader Tim Fischer today said he was saddened
by former prime minister Paul Keating's assessment that his political career was worth the
high personal cost.

Mr Keating said this week he would have pursued his political career even if he had known
the personal toll it would take on his marriage and reputation.

Mr Fischer, who resigned as deputy prime minister in June so he could spend more time with
his family, said he was sorry to hear Mr Keating's comments.

"I was very sorry to hear him say that," Mr Fischer told the National Press Club.

"All I would simply say is the family unit is extraordinarily valuable as part of society.

"I was surprised and saddened by those comments of Paul Keating."

Mr Fischer said he was proud of his decision to now put his family and personal life ahead
of his political duties.

While cabinet was meeting in Hobart, Mr Fischer said he spent the day with friends on the
ski slopes at Falls Creek in Victoria.

AAP jg/sc/pwa/br

KEYWORD: KEATING FISCHER

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