The PM didn't expect Stone's penchant for blunt language would undermine the Government's desperate rebuilding effort only months before an election in which it starts well behind the eightball. One is its swingeing critique of a Government seen by its own Queensland Liberal MPs as out of touch, dysfunctional, too tricky and many other bad things besides. Howard is helped here by being able to say the Government has made extensive changes since the memo was written. Much more threateningly, the leak has lifted the lid off the simmering tensions between the Costello and Howard forces in the party. The reaction of the Treasurer's supporters, calling for Stone's resignation, shows how explosive are the feelings just below the surface.
Accusations are flying, fuelled by the fact no-one is sure from where the leak came.
Some sources claim the memo was left in an open tray in the PM's office. Any or none of this may be true. In the absence of anything definitive, the truth is mattering less than what the accusers are saying. Howard and Costello have had a joint interest in keeping up a facade of unity this year. Costello has only a little less at stake than Howard in saving the Government or minimising the loss.