Fed: Clock ticking for double dissolution

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Fed: Clock ticking for double dissolution

The countdown to the next election has begun, with Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD warninghis team that they might be fighting an election within a year.

Opposition Leader SIMON CREAN is also urging his troops to campaign on all fronts,particularly social policy.

Mr HOWARD has kept open the option of a double dissolution election, which would meanhe would have to call the poll by August the 11th next year.

That would mean that the government has begun its final 12 months of Mr HOWARD's thirdterm, although the government can opt for a regular election as late as next November.

A coalition spokesman says Mr HOWARD has told the party room that a double dissolutionis an option, but it's not his inclination at the moment.

AAP RTV jg/dw/sb/wz/rp 1

KEYWORD: ELECTION (CANBERRA)