HE may have strangled the Aussie language but Kevin Rudd remains an overwhelming favourite with punters according to the poll that really matters - the Press Gallery Mid Winter Ball eBay auction.
The Prime Minister and his would-be assassin, Malcolm Turnbull, along with the globe-trotting Julia Gillard, have “donated” themselves as part of the Ball’s efforts to raise funds for a raft of charities.
Just over 48 hours before Canberra’s night of nights, the PM holds a handy lead over his two"rivals” - with a mystery punter bidding over $15,000 to have dinner with the country’s leader.
The Liberal leader with a personal fortune estimated at $178 million was sitting at $7100, while the Deputy Prime Minister was languishing in third spot at $5500.
Now in its 10th year, the Ball has raised $1 million-plus for charity. Despite the economic doom-and-gloom, some of the country’s leading corporate firms have again stumped up funds to sponsor this rarest of events - an evening of frivolity where the nation’s top MPs lay down their swords.
The PM, Mr Turnbull and Ms Gillard have been strong supporters of the Ball - and this year they are going further in an effort to bump up charity proceeds.
Fancy an evening at the Lodge or Kirribilli? Or a private dinner with either Ms Gillard or Mr Turnbull at one of Canberra’s finest restaurants?
The three political figures are offering themselves to the highest bidders - all in the name of charity.
Dinner with the PM went for a tad over $22,000 last year and the Ball’s organisers are hoping to better this - despite the economic meltdown.
Log onto www.ebay.com.au/charity to follow the action. The auction closes at 5pm on Wednesday.
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