Channel Nine's journalistic tyro Mark Latham has surfaced again, confronting Opposition Leader Tony Abbott after a Coalition announcement on veterans affairs in western Sydney this morning.
The media spotlight swung immediately on the former Labor leader upon his arrival at Penrith RSL club for a Coalition campaign announcement in front of about 40 veterans.
Mr Latham, who arrived shortly before Mr Abbott's press conference, spent about 20 minutes as the focus of the large media pack, including being the reluctant subject of a live cross on Sky News.
Follow the former leader. Mark Latham and Tony Abbott post-encounter. Photo: Glen McCurtayne
Mr Latham, who is presenting a piece for 60 Minutes this Sunday, then approached the Opposition Leader as he was set to leave the room.
With the second of his controversial "handshake interviews", Mr Latham pressed Mr Abbott about his role in Pauline Hanson's conviction, as well as western Sydney's population pressures and the Coalition's immigration policies.
Mr Latham's presence clearly upset some of the veterans with one yelling: "Piss off, Latham, this isn't about you!"
However, Mr Latham later said another veteran offered his support, backing his confrontation with Prime Minister Julia Gillard at the weekend and quoting Latin to the effect of "Tell them all to go and get stuffed."
Mr Latham went on to wait with the media contingent ahead of a press conference by Mr Abbott
Email a friend