Australia: Turnbull criticised Iraq war

High profile Liberal candidate Malcolm Turnbull has publicly criticised the war on Iraq, parliament was told.

Labor backbencher Tanya Plibersek told parliament Mr Turnbull, the endorsed Liberal candidate for the blue-ribbon seat of Wentworth, made the comments at a candidate’s forum at Bondi.

She asked Prime Minister John Howard if he endorsed the comments.

"Is the Prime Minister aware of comments made last night by the endorsed Liberal candidate for Wentworth at a meet the candidates public forum at Bondi, where he said: `History will judge Bush’s invasion of Iraq as an unadulterated error’," Ms Plibersek said.

"Does the prime minister share the views of the endorsed Liberal candidate for Wentworth and immediate past federal treasurer of the Liberal Party?

"And did the prime minister know of these views when he supported Mr Turnbull against the current member for Wentworth?"

Mr Howard gave a one-word answer.

"No," he said.

Mr Turnbull, who won Liberal preselection for Wentworth after a public fight with sitting Liberal MP Peter King, could not be contacted for comment. (AAP)

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/08/10/1092102441988.html?oneclick=true