PM 'poll failure' prediction rejected

 WAYNE Swan has repudiated a prediction by Labor whip Joel Fitzgibbon that Julia Gillard will be replaced as leader if she fails to lift the party's standing in the polls.

Mr Fitzgibbon's assessment has reignited speculation of a possible Kevin Rudd comeback, amid widespread alarm among caucus members at the party's dire election prospects.

But the Treasurer, whose fate is linked to that of the Prime Minister, said Ms Gillard would continue to lead Labor, whether or not the polls improved.

“Keeping your eye on the opinion polls is not what leadership is all about and our Prime Minister has got stuck into some of the biggest and most important reforms in generations,” Mr Swan told ABC Radio.

“Putting a price on carbon, putting in place a mining tax, the fundamental reform of the aged care system, paid parental leave.

“All of those things are the fundamental reforms and at the end of the day those are the things that will matter, that will count, at the next federal election.”