The appointment of Mr McTernan, who worked as Mr Blair's director of political operations from 2005 to 2007, comes as Ms Gillard's popularity, and that of the Labor government, languishes at a record low.
As well as several policy challenges, including the implementation of a controversial price on carbon, the prime minister is facing growing speculation that she could be dumped by her own party before the next election and replaced by Kevin Rudd, the man she deposed last year.
Ms Gillard, who was born in Wales, will be hoping that Mr McTernan, a Scot, will be able to reverse her political fortunes. » | Bonnie Malkin, Sydney | Tuesday, October 04, 2011
