Former prime minister John Howard has wished his former heir apparent Peter Costello a happy birthday, but won't comment on whether the former treasurer should replace Liberal leader Brendan Nelson.
Mr Costello is expected to say what he plans to do once his memoirs are published next month but his silence on the leadership issue has put Dr Nelson under mounting pressure.
Dr Nelson is on a 10-day overseas tour and has been faring poorly in opinion polls.
Mr Howard went to Canberra today to receive a Companion of the Order of Australia and while he was happy to talk to reporters, he didn't want to comment about the Liberal Party leadership.
"I continue to have a very happy life, you move on," Mr Howard said.
"It was an enormous experience and privilege to have been Prime Minister for so long.
"I'm very proud of the fact my government left the country in a stronger, prouder and more prosperous state than it had been in."
But he did effusively wish Mr Costello a happy 51st birthday.