Former Treasurer Peter Costello was up to his old tricks today, taking a swipe at "L-plater" Treasurer Wayne Swan and some of Australia's top journalists in his classic wry style.
Responsible for 12 budgets since 1996, Mr Costello dubbed Rudd's money-man the luckiest incoming Treasurer in history, using the rare media appearance as one last chance to boast the Howard Government's financial legacy.
Mr Costello also traded blows with Sky News' David Spears, The Australian's Samantha Maiden and veteran Age journalist, Michelle Gratten.
The confident performance has once again raised speculation that Mr Costello may make a tilt for the Coalition leadership position, but the former Treasurer says he was merely keeping a promise.
When Spears suggested Costello’s continuing coyness on the question of leadership was damaging the party the Treasurer returned fire.
“Is it? Well you say it is. Why don’t you interview yourselves?” he asked before launching into a mock interview of Spears questioning himself.
“After dealing with you people for 20 years I just don’t feel I have to be at your beck and call anymore.”
