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Tony Abbott Ripped To Shreds Over Statement About Bob Hawke’s Death

Tony Abbott Ripped To Shreds Over Statement About Bob Hawke’s Death

People have accused the former Prime Minister of trying to score cheap political points.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Australia is mourning the loss of one of the country's most beloved Prime Ministers in Bob Hawke.

His wife, Blanche d'Alpuget, confirmed the legendary Aussie died peacefully died at home last night at the age of 89.

PA

Tributes have been coming in thick and fast, with messages from both sides of politics. Many have reminisced about their favourite Hawke moment while others have touched on how he changed the country for the better.

They're all moving messages about a man who was loved by the people for being a larrikin and a game changer. However, one statement has been torn to shreds by people on social media for being incredibly tone deaf.

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott issued this message after news broke about Hawke's death last night.

"Bob Hawke was a great prime minister. In my judgment, he was Labor's greatest prime minister," Mr Abbott said.

"But his key achievements - financial deregulation, tariffs cuts, and the beginnings of privatisation - went against the Labor grain, as Labor's more recent policy direction shows.

"You might almost say he had a Labor heart, but a Liberal head. Certainly, the Coalition supported nearly all of his big reforms, helping to make his tenure a time of economic revitalisation.

"All Australians should mourn someone who changed our country for the better, because he was always prepared to argue his case, even if it meant first persuading key people on his own side."

People on Twitter are confused by the statement and claim that Tone is trying to score cheap political points with the election just around the corner.

"You're trying to score political points from the death of one of Australia's greatest public figures within hours of his passing?Hawke was a giant.You are a tawdry little pissant.Long may you rot in obscurity," wrote one person.

"Fancy making a political moment for yourself out of this.You were the opposite of Bob Hawke as PM and let's hope Saturday night sees the end of you," said another.

A third added: "In one brief statement you've demonstrated the chasm between yourself and Hawke. Today our nation lost a great leader. On Saturday, we hope to lose a vision-less bitter narcissist."

It's surprising that he left the post up instead of changing the statement. It's copped more than 4,700 comments - pretty much all of which are scathing and negative.

He's no stranger to taking moments of loss for political advantage. When Gough Whitlam's wife, Margaret, died in 2012, he issued a statement that was critical of Whitlam's government.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: News, Australia, politics