KEVIN RUDD is ''rattled'' by the Coalition's resurgence and ''is in fear of his political life'', Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says.

Having stressed the opposition's underdog status, Mr Abbott told The Sun-Herald he must be doing something right because the government had stooped to ''nasty'' personal attacks.

Mr Abbott accused the government of ''low blows'' and hypocrisy, for deriding his personal fitness regime while trying to encourage healthy lifestyles among the general population.

''They are certainly sending out mixed signals but the Prime Minister gives you the impression of a man who is in fear of his political life at the moment,'' he said.

Several senior ministers have attacked Mr Abbott's fitness regime, saying he spends too much time on a bicycle or in ''budgie smugglers'' to be serious about his job.

Today he will compete in an ironman triathlon in Port Macquarie, and next month he will embark on a nine-day charity bicycle ride.

http://www.smh.com.au/national/rattled-rudd-in-fear-says-abbott-20100327-r42i.html

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Gus: Rudd? Rattled? No... Annoyed? Sure... Must be doing something right? Hell no, Tony! You're like a fly that thinks annoying the bejesus out of a horse by biting its butt is the way to make it go foward, or in your case make it go into the ditch... Just simply annoying... There are more important things to do... The coachman (the voters) with the whip is likely to whack the horse where you whizz, hitting two birds with the same stone... The horse moves forward and the fly is dead meat.

OOOOoooh. Do I mix my metaphors and images!... Sorry