Fed: Govt MPs to elect new speaker today

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Fed: Govt MPs to elect new speaker today

Incumbent NEIL ANDREW appears set to reclaim the prestigious position of Speaker ofthe House of Representatives when government MPs meet today.

Mr ANDREW faces challenges from backbenchers DAVID JULL and DAVID HAWKER for the postwhich comes with a large office and a $95,000 base wage with a 75 per cent bonus.

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD has publicly backed Mr ANDREW who has come under fire fromsome within the government for being too fair to Labor.

While voting for Mr ANDREW, Mr HOWARD has refused to direct the rest of the governmentto follow him.

He says the appointment of speaker will be decided by the partyroom, not him.

There'll also be a battle for the position of Deputy Speaker which was held by theNational Party's GARRY NEHL.

The Nationals have traditionally held the post when the coalition is in power, butMr HOWARD has opened the job to the Liberal Party.

National Party NSW backbencher IAN CAUSLEY is still expected to get the job.

Whoever gets the top posts, may face changes proposed by Opposition Leader SIMON CREANin a bid to clean-up the House of Representatives.

AAP RTV sw/aa

KEYWORD: SPEAKER (CANBERRA)